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JUN 27 1900 




REV. A. M. SHERMAN. 



flDorristown 
Hn the Spani6l>amencan TOar 




< 'A 



Morristown, New Jersey, 



IN THE 



Spanisli-American War, 



BY 



Rev. A. M. SHERMAN, 

w 

Illustrated. 



JERSEYMAN OFFICE, 

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY, 

1900. 



11597 

Uil9r«py of Congress 

Two Copies f^ECEivEo 
JUN 27 1900 

fnijyrlfht »nti y 

btCONO COPY. 

BrIivfrsW to 

CRUER DIVISION, 

JUN S8 1900 

Copyright 1900, 
BY REV. A. M. SHERMAN. 

64471 






DEDICATION. 



To the young men of Morristown, Neiv Jersey, and 
vicinity, ivho, in response to the call of the President 
of the United States for volunteer troops, issued on 
the Twenty-third of Ajjril, Eighteen Hundred and 
Ninety-eight, jlew to the defense of national honor, 
and nobly assisted in the liberation of a long and 
sorely oppressed people from Spanish misrule, this 
volume is respect fully dedicated by the author. 


















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CAPTAIN CAPRON'S BATTERY IX ACTIOX. 





■y«^'^':^ifit^i^~i&^x.m»'^mi>. j.~''M?i£.- ^ 



BLOCK HOUSK ON SAN JUAN HILL. 



PREFACE. 



The war between the United States and Spain com- 
mencin5< on the 21st of April, 1898, and terminating on the 
12th of August of the same year, will, as time progresses. 
appear more and more to have been, what in fact it was, a 
war waged, so far as the purpose of the American govern- 
ment was concerned, for the liberation of a long and 
grievously oppressed people from the misgovernment and 
cruelty of a foreign power, and the establishment on their 
behalf, in Cuba, with America's aid, of a government based 
in the spirit of Freedom ; hence this conflict has been aptly 
termed "The Great Humanitarian War'^; and as such it 
enlisted the ardent sympathy of America's millions regard- 
less of party affiliation. 

Brief in its duration, compared with other wars in 
which the United States during her short national histor}^ 
has engaged; insignificant comparatively as regards the 
number of troops in active service, and in the extent of its 
casualties, the Spanish- American War was nevertheless, in 
its achievements upon land and sea, the most brilliant in 
the world's history. 

Nor should it ever be forgotten that the process of 
national unity w^iich for several years had been going on 
was consummated when war with a foreign power became 



VI PREFACE 

imminent; and that from the baptism of fire at Guasimas, 
El Caney and San Juan, we emerged a united and in- 
vincible people. 

For any American citizen or community to have con- 
tributed in any measure or in any manner to the triumph- 
ant issue of such a war, and to the accomplishment of the 
noble end attained, is an honor not to be lightly prized; 
and the services rendered during this conflict will be in- 
creasingly appreciated as the clouds of lingering partizan- 
ship clear away, and the American people are able to look 
back upon it from the standpoint of a disinterested patriot- 
ism. 

To formally place upon record for the inspection of 
future generations the story of the services of individuals 
and communities identified with this humane and brilliant 
war, is only a deserved tribute to those who flew to their 
country's defense in the early part of 1898, or who, at their 
homes gave to the country's defenders, their support and 
encouragement; and such record, it is beheved, will prove 
an inspiration to duty in any national emergenc}^ in the 
years to come. In the faith that such will be the effect upon 
its readers of this volume it is respectfully offered to the 
people of Morris County, New Jerse3^ 



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CHAPTER I. 

PUBLIC OPINION SHOULD BE SUSPENDED UNTIL FUR- 
THER REPORT." — CAPTAIN SIGSBEE'S FIRST 
MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON. 



CAUSES OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. 

Destruction of the Maine in Havana harbor — BuTial of the 
Crew — Naval Court of Inquiry — Suspicious Circum- 
stances — War inevitable — The Condition of Affairs in Cuba 
Intolerable to the American People — The Cuban War 
Must Cease. 

ON the morning of January 25, 1898, there steamed 
leisurely through the narrow entrance to the harbor 
of Havana, Cuba, with the national emblem of Freedom 
proudly waving above her, one of the finest second-class 
battleships afloat — the " Maine." Her length and breadth 
were 324 and 57 feet respectively. She was of 6,682 tons 
displacement, carried 10 guns in her main battery, had a 
speed of 17^ knots per hour, and had been constructed at a 
cost of nearly $3,000,000. Leaving the ancient Castles, 
Morro and Cabanas, on the larboard, this superb Ameri- 
can battleship passed into the inner harbor, amid the 
salutes of Spanish forts and war vessels, and was promptly 
assigned moorage by the Spanish master of the port at 
bouy number four. The crew of the " Maine " was com- 
posed of 374 men and officers, whose commander was 
Captain Charles D. Sigsbee, a man well qualified, as subse- 
quent events proved, for the performance of the delicate 
mission entrusted to him. The " Maine " was in the har- 
bor of Havana under instructions from President McKinlej", 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



to guard the interests of American citizens in the Cuban 
capital, as unfriendly demonstrations had alread}" been 
made against them by hostile Spanish mobs, and a general 
riot, with serious consequences was hourly apprehended. 
It was the opinion, also, of our vigilant Consul- General 
at Havana, Fitz Hugh Lee, upon whose recommendation 
the "Maine" had been ordered to Cuban waters, that he^ 
presence would increase Spanish respect for the American 
government. 

It soon became a well known fact that many Spaniards 
in Havana were deeply irritated by the sight of an Ameri- 
can battleship in the harbor, and it was currently reported 
that threats of her destruction were openly made by some 
of them. In the harbor near the " Maine " lay the Spanish 
cruiser, " Alphonso XII," the American merchant steam- 
ship, " City of Washington," and other lesser craft; and 
for a period of three weeks, while our handsome battleship 
swung lazily at her moorings with the ebb and flow of the 
tides, there ensued a series of social visitations, chiefly, 
however, between the officers of the vessels mentioned and 
Consul-General Lee. 

On Tuesday evening, February 15, the bugle sounded 
taps at the usual hour, in response to which the lights were 
promptly extinguished, and the weary crew of the 
" Maine," save the customary night watch, sought their 
sleeping quarters between decks and most!}' near the bow. 

Captain Sigsbee, who had not yet retired, was in his 
cabin near the stern, engaged in writing. At 9.40 o'clock, 
when most of the crew were wrapped in the arms of sooth- 
ing slumber, dreaming it may be of home and loved ones, 
a terrific explosion occurred — it was on the port side of the 
ship and near the bow ; another explosion followed, and 
some say a third, ^ — a series, it appears, in rapid succession — 
the reports of which were heard for miles around, and the 
tremendous concussion of which shook the entire city of 
Havana, affrighting the people and suddenly extinguish- 
ing not a few of the street lights. As viewed by an eye- 
witness on shore, the bow of the gallant ship was lifted 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR '^ 

slightly from the water, a shower of flying debris was 
scattered over an area of a mile, the flames of the burning 
hull illuminated for a few minutes the entire surrounding 
region, and our once beautiful battleship, the justlj^ con- 
sidered pride of the United States Navy, was a mangled, 
twisted and irrevocable wreck, and, as subsequently 
ascertained, 2G0 of her officers and men were either 
killed outright, drowned in the murky waters of the 
harbor or fatally injured. Among the lost were Lieu- 
tenant Jenkins and Engineer Merritt. Small boats came 
promptly to the rescue and assisted in saving the living 
survivors from the waters, and from the wreck, which 
soon sank, bow first, and became embedded in the fetid 
mud of Havana's harbor; presenting the appearance so far 
as visible above the surface, of a shapeless tangle of metal. 
Among the survivors of this appalling disaster were 
Lieutenant Commander Richard Wainwright, executive 
officer of the " Maine," and Captain Sigsbee, the latter of 
whom was the last man to leave the sinking ship, and 
whose heroism, exhibited under the testful circumstances 
of the occasion, will command the warmest admiration of 
future generations. 

On board the "City of Washington" where Captain 
Sigsbee and other survivors of the wreck found hospitable 
refuge after the sinking of the " Maine," there came Span- 
ish officers representing Captain- General Blanco, and 
expressing their sympathy; and it was reported that when, 
soon after the explosion. General Lee called at the palace 
in Havana, he found Blanco in tears over the unfortunate 
affair, which he doubtless foresaw would precipitate a war 
which had long seemed inevitable between the United 
States and Spain. It was said that the lower classes of 
Spaniards, and the militar}' officers of the Weyler regime 
remaining in Havana, openl}- rejoiced over the destruction 
of the " Maine," and confidently predicted a similar fate 
for any other American vrarship that might be substituted. 

Of the bodies of our slaughtered sailor boys recovered 
from the wreck, or who subsequently died from injuries, 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



some were taken to Key West for interment, and others 
were buried in Havana with the most imposing manifesta- 
tions of sorrow ever witnessed in that tropical city; and 
their names will henceforth appear among the long roll of 
honored American dead, as having contributed by their 
untimely deaths, to the deliverance of Cuba from Spanish 
misgovernment and oppression! The remains of the 
"Maine's" victims have since been disinterred, brought 
to this country, and now rest in American soil at the 
Arlington Cemetery, Virginia, on the banks of the p.lacid 
Potomac. Requiescat in pace. The wave of excitement 
which upon the announcement of the destruction of the 
"Maine" swept over the entire country, is more easily 
remembered than described. From the first the unex- 
pressed opinion of not a few Americans was, that our 
battleship was blown up from the outside, and by Spanish 
treachery; but the great majority of the people, acting 
upon the apt suggestion of Captain Sigsbee that "public 
opinion should be suspended until further report," awaited 
with commendable patience the result of official investiga- 
tion ; while others, including President McKinley and other 
high authorities at Washington, entertained the accident 
theory. 

The Naval Court of Inquiry appointed to investigate, 
and if possible ascertain the cause of the destruction of our 
battleship, began its sessions on the 19th of March, and, 
after a thorough and impartial examination of the wreck, 
and of the survivors and other witnesses reported, that 
" in the opinion of the Court the ' Maine' was destroyed 
by a submarine mine which caused the partial explosion of 
two or more of her magazines. The Court has been unable 
to obtain evidence fixing the responsibility for the destruc- 
tion of the ' Maine ' upon any person or persons." 

The announcement of the report of the Court of Inquiry, 
composed as it was of naval experts, and supplemented by 
certain highly significant facts, which were for the first 
time made public, fully convinced the American people 
that the submarine mine which destroyed the " Maine ^ 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



was exploded by a Spanish hand. The facts referred to 
are these : that according to rehable authority no war ves- 
sel had for at least five years previously been moored at 
bouy number four; that to this bouy merchant ships were 
rarely assigned ; that, indeed, it was the least used bouy in 
the harbor; and lastly, that Spanish military and naval 
officers had been overheard, but a few days previous to the 
explosion, plotting the destruction of the " Maine." That 
war between the United States and Spain was inevitable, 
was the well-nigh unanimous judgment of the American 
people ; not, however, solely, or even chiefly, because of the 
destruction of our superb battleship and the brutal slaugh- 
ter of her sleeping crew, exasperating as that dastardly 
crime was to a long-suffering and supersensitive people, but 
because of the existence of a deeply deplorable condition of 
affairs in Cuba, of which the appalling disaster of Febru- 
ary 15, was but the natural climax; and which condition 
of affairs the people of this country could not and would 
not longer endure. This condition of affairs may be aptly 
summarized by the statement that Spain had lost control of 
Cuba, and dread anarchy reigned in this beautiful island, 
which was being rapidly devastated by contending armies. 
The explanation of this condition of affairs requires a back- 
ward glance along the lines of Cuban history. 



CHAPTER II. 

IRON WILL BREAK AT LAST."— LIEUTENANT HOBSON 
TO ADMIRAL SAMPSON. 



CUBAN INSURRECTIONS. 

Discovery and Settlement of Cuba — Spanish Cruelty— Broken 
Promises— Struggle for Independence — Cuban Leaders — 
Weyler's Barbarous Methods- Removal of Weyler— Ap- 
pointment of Ramon Blanco — American Indignation 
Thoroughly Aroused. 

WHEN Columbus, on the 28th of October, 1492, dis- 
covered the island of Cuba, he found it inhabited 
by a tribe of peaceable Indians, whose numbers were esti- 
mated at several hundred thousands. 

The first Spanish settlement of Cuba was made at 
Baracoa on the North East coast of the island in the j^ear 
1511. The Spaniards promptly instituted in the island a 
system of enforced labor which was virtual slavery. Un- 
accustomed to the severe labor exacted of them under the 
Spanish lash the Indians died in rapidly-increasing num- 
bers ; and at the close of a period of about fifty years, these 
once happy aborigines had become completely exterminat- 
ed; and this constitutes chapter one of the history of 
Spanish cruelty in the " Pearl of the Antilles." 

Apprehending the eventual extermination of the In- 
dians, a Hmited number of negroes had been imported into 
Cuba from the East coast of Africa, to perform the man- 
ual labor of the island, to which they were considered ad- 
mirably adapted. The second chapter of Spanish cruelty 
may be read in the inhuman treatment of these negroes 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



during this and subsequent importations, in consequence 
of which many of them died on the voyages, their bodies 
being committed to the waters. So rapidly did the African 
negroes in Cuba multiply that in the year 1870, they num- 
bered 605,461, of whom 379,523 were still slaves, and 225,- 
938 were free — there having been for many years a pro- 
cess of gradual emancipation. 

From the time of the original settlement of Cuba the 
native-born inhabitants of the island were for the most part 
allowed to grow up in dense ignorance, there having been 
no schools whatever in Cuba until about the year 1795; 
and those subsequently established were of an indifferent 
character ; so that at the commencement of the Spanish- 
American War the illiteracy among the negroes and 
poorer whites was lamentably great. The moral status of 
these classes may be inferred from the fact that of the 
births among them about 50 per cent, were illegitimate. 

From the hour of its settlement the governing class in 
Cuba were almost exclusively native-born Spaniards, or 
" Peninsularies " as they were called to distinguish them 
from " Insularies," which were Spaniards born in Cuba. 

From the Governor- General down to the least signifi- 
cant official, it was their unremitting aim to accumulate a 
fortune in Cuba and then return to Spain to enjoy their ill- 
gotten gains. It was even said of General Weyler that 
during his notorious administration in Cuba the augmenta- 
tion of his already large fortune was the paramount object 
in view ; and that the suppression of the Cuban insurrection 
was with him a secondary consideration, if indeed, it was 
even that. 

For many years Spain arbitrarily controlled the com- 
merce of Cuba purely for her own enrichment, shamelessly 
ignoring the interests of her colonists; her policy having 
been the collection of a burdensome tax on all exports from 
the island, of which sugar and tobacco were the chief; and 
the collection of an equally burdensome tax on all imports, 
the most of which the Cubans were compelled to purchase, 
at exorbitant prices, of Spanish manufacturers. Instead 




JOSEPH F. R. BONIFACE, 
Company B, United States Marines 



10 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

of using even a reasonable portion of the millions thus 
annually extorted from the Cubans, for necessary public 
improvements in the island, the money was for the most 
part taken to Spain to replenish her greedy coffers ; and as 
if to add insult to injury the Spanish government kept in 
Cuba an army of (30,000 volunteers, composed of young 
Spaniards, to hold in subjection the discontented colonists; 
and the Cubans were taxed for the support of this alien 
host. One who is thoroughly conversant with Cuban his- 
tory has forcibly remarked, that "Spain's policy was to 
wring from the Cubans the last coin possible in the way of 
taxes " ; and Cuba, as it may be seen, was being systematic- 
ally impoverished. 

Add to this the proverbial corruption, rank misgovei'n- 
ment, base cruelties and foul crimes of the Spanish officials 
in Cuba, and there will be no cause for surprise that com- 
mencing early in the present century there occurred a series 
of revolts, originating among the negroes, and finally in- 
cluding almost the entire native population. These revolts 
were either suppressed by force, or persuaded into submis- 
sion bj^ promises of political reforms, which promises were 
almost without exception basely broken, chiefl}" by the 
Spanish officials in Cuba, who so completely manipulated 
for their own selfish purposes the machinery of the local 
government as to render the last state of the suffering 
Cubans worse than the first. Who then that loves freedom 
will deny, that these long and grievously oppressed colo- 
nists were more fully justified in the attempt to achieve 
independence than the embattled American farmers of 
1775, who defied King George the Third, and, at Lexing- 
ton and Concord Bridge, fired the shots, "heard 'round the 
world." 

The most notable of the series of Cuban revolts, if we 
except the one in progress at the opening of our war with 
Spain, was what has since been known as the " Ten Years' 
War," beginning in the year 1868. This war was attended 
by extreme cruelties, and aroused the sympathy and indig- 
nation of the American people to such an extent that only 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 11 

its abrupt termination prevented armed intervention, on 
behalf of the Cubans, by the American government. If 
any substantiation of the statements as to the justness of 
the Cuban cause were required, surely the words of the 
humane and patriotic Campos, the first Governor- General 
during the j)eriod of the " Ten Years' War" will suffice; 
and from one of his reports, made to the Madrid govern- 
ment, during his administration in Cuba, he said: "The 
insurrection here is due to the causes that have separated 
our other colonies from the mother country, intensified by 
the fact that promises made to Cuba at different times have 
not been fulfilled ; that, as I understand it, their fulfill- 
ment, when begun, has been forbidden by order of the 
Cortes." 

Martinez Campos being unsuccessful in his efforts to 
quell the Cuban insurrection was replaced by General 
Ramon Blanco; and after a long and fruitless attempt to 
subjugate the Cubans they were induced to lay down their 
arms by the promise, made in good faith as it appears by 
Blanco, of home rule and other reforms; but again the 
action of the Spanish Cortes rendered null and void the 
promises by which the "Ten Years' War" had been ter- 
minated. It should, however, be said in this connection 
that in consequence of the " Ten Years' War," the abolition 
of slavery in Cuba, which had for some years been in pro- 
gress, was consummated in the year 1880, as a means of 
pacifying the negro population. 

The final revolt of the Cubans against Spain, which 
was really a continuation of the famous ' ' Ten Years' 
War," commenced in February, 1895, at the eastern end 
of the island, in the province of Santiago. The avowed 
object of this insurrection, which was strenuously adhered 
to throughout, was Cuban independence. Among the 
more conspicuous leaders of this revolt were Maximo 
Gomez, a white man from San Domingo; Jose Marti, 
spoken of as the "Father of the Revolution"; Antonio 
Maceo, a mulatto, who received a military education in 
European schools; and Calixto Garcia, a native of Santi- 



12 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

ago City, than whom no abler general or purer patriot 
participated in the Cuban struggle for deliverance from 
Spanish oppression ; and his death at our national capital 
since the close of the recent war, deprived Cuba of invalu- 
able counsel in the settlement of her difficulties. 

At the beginning of the insurrection of 1695, a revolu- 
tionary government was organized, a republic was pro- 
claimed, and a president and other officers elected. Gomez 
was recognized as Commander-in-Chief of the military 
forces, and Maceo as his lieutenant. By the first of April, 
1895, several thousand insurgents, armed with rifles and 
machetes, had gathered in the Santiago Province. At 
the outbreak of the insurrection there were about 18,000 
Spanish regulars in the island, beside the Cuban volun- 
teers, and these were compelled, from fear of guerrilla at- 
tacks, to remain in their fortifications. Martinez Campos 
was again sent to Cuba to suppress the insurrection, land- 
ing at Guantanamo on the twelfth of April; 12,000 ad- 
ditional Spanish regulars arriving in Cuba almost simul- 
taneously. 

The " Ten Years' War " had been confined to the East- 
ern end of the island, but Gomez determined to extend the 
war into the Western end ; and during a movement in the 
execution of this plan Jose Marti was slain, and Gomez 
wounded. The first battle of any consequence was at 
Bayamo, in July, 1895, and it was here that Campos first 
became impressed with the seriousness of his task. In this 
engagement Maceo and Campos displayed excellent gener- 
alship. 

By the winter of 1895, 80,000 Spanish regulars had 
been sent to Cuba. 

In January of 1896, Campos having failed to subjugate 
the Cubans, resigned, and General Valeriano Weyler suc- 
ceeded him, and as his alleged cruelties in connection with 
the " Ten Years' War " were vividly remembered, his com- 
ing was regarded an omen of ill to the Cubans. Almost 
his first official act was the issuance of an arbitrary and 
stringent proclamation designed to intimidate and embar- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 13 

rass the insurgents. The campaigns of 1896-97 consisted 
of a series of guerrilla engagements insignificant in charac- 
ter, and indecisive as to results. Every reader of the daily 
American press for the three years preceding the Spanish- 
American War had been surfieted with the accounts of 
shocking cruelties, burning of plantations, wrecking of rail- 
road trains, illegal imprisonments, and unmentionable 
crimes in Cuba, so that their repetition in detail is unneces- 
sary and undesirable. One of the brilliant movements of 
the last Cuban insurrection was the invasion by the gallant 
Maceo, of Western Cuba, with a small force of insurgents, 
and his series of skirmishes, and his remarkable avoidance 
of the contiguous Spanish army of 50,000 men; and it is 
with feelings of deep regret that Maceo could not have sur- 
vived to witness the liberation of Cuba from Spanish mis- 
rule, that his suspicious death is recalled, which not a few 
Americans still believe was due to treachery. The tenac- 
ity with which Gomez held to his determination to deliver 
the island from Spanish oppression, and the splendid hope 
of American intervention which sustained and cheered him 
amid the discouragements of his perplexing campaigns, 
should not pass unnoticed. Nor should we fail to recall 
the high resolve of the insurgents to achieve political inde- 
pendence though it should involve the loss of all earthly 
possessions; in which resolve noble wives and daughters 
shared, many of whom sealed their devotion to the cause 
of Freedom by valiant services in the field, and with no 
less commendable services in unparalleled sufferings and 
indignities at their homes. Surely Cuba has made history, 
particularly during the final insurrection, upon which her 
liberated people may henceforth look back with glowing 
pride. 

From the first the sympathy of the American people 
was with the Cuban insurgents, whose experiences could 
not fail to remind them of the struggle of our revolutionary 
fathers against foreign oppression ; and this sympathy was 
deepened by the reports of the barbarous methods employ- 
ed by Weyler to crush out the insurrection ; particularly 



14 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

the concentration at certain designated points of Cuban 
non-combatants. 

To starve out the revolution by cutting off food sup- 
phes, and to prevent also the recruiting of the insurgent 
ranks from among their sympathizers in the country dis- 
tricts, was the avowed object of the notorious concentration 
order; but the opinion is justified by the possibilities of the 
Spanish character, that there was the ulterior motive to fill 
the hearts of the armed insurgents in the field with dread 
consternation over the wholesale loss of wives and children 
and parents, by starvation and disease and cold-blooded 
butchery, in the vain hope that they would sue for peace. 
The enforcement of the order of concentration entrusted 
to the Cuban volunteers, was attended with atrocities that 
shocked the American people. The Cuban non-combat- 
ants, consisting mostly of old men, women and children, 
huddled together at the military posts, were for the most 
part without food or the means of procuring it ; and as the 
Spanish authorities could not or would not furnish it, tens 
of thousands of these "■ pacificos " died of starvation^ 
and other tens of thousands of disease induced by the 
iv7^etched sanitary conditions of the human pens in 
ivhich they luere promiscuously confined. It was com- 
puted that during the three years preceding the Spanish- 
American War, nearly half a million Cuban non-com- 
batants perished by Spanish cruelty ; and this appalHng 
fact, more probably than all others combined, impelled the 
American people to resolve at last, upon intervention b}' 
force, to put an end to the Cuban war and expel the Span- 
iard from the Western Continent ; and the destruction 
of the " Maine" and her slumbering crew simply precip- 
itated the war which had so long been inevitable. 



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CHAPTER III. 

WE WILL MAKE SPANISH THE COURT LANGUAGE OF 
HADES." — "fighting BOB" EVANS WHEN WAR 
WAS DECLARED. 



DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 

Removal of Weyler— The DeLome Episode— Millions for 
National Defense — An Armistice Suggested— Efforts for 
Peaceful Settlement Fruitless— Spain JSotified to Quit 
the Western Continent — War Declared — Cuban Ports 
Blockaded- Volunteers Called For— Prompt Response. 

THE American Press and Congress eloquently voiced 
the sympathy and indignation of the people against 
the persistent atrocities of the Spanish authorities in Cuba ; 
and at last the President of the United States was directed, 
by Congress, to use his efforts for the independence of 
Cuba ; but as there seemed to be constitutional objections 
to this course, President Cleveland urged Spain to grant 
home government to the Cubans, promising his assistance 
toward the furtherance of this end. Spain proudly re- 
plied that nothing short of the actual submission of the in- 
surgents would satisfy her sense of honor. In his message 
to Congress in 1896, President Cleveland notified Spain 
that inasmuch as the Spanish atrocities in Cuba still con- 
tinued, the American government might find it necessary 
in the interests of humanity to interfere by force to put a 
stop to them ; indeed, Fitz Hugh Lee, the American Con- 
sul-General at Havana, informed President Cleveland that 
in his opinion the time had fully arrived for intervention. 
The Cuban war had then been in progress about eighteen 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 17 

months and its close was not in sight; and everything 
pointed to the eventual ruin of the industries and commerce 
of Cuba, and the devastation ol: the island. This was the 
condition of affairs in Cuba which faced Mr. McKinley 
when he came to the national capital in the spring of 1897. 
It being ascertained that among the starving in Cuba, were 
several hundred American citizens, an appropriation of 
$50,000 for their relief was made by Congress. The 
Spanish government evidently apprehending the interven- 
tion of America in Cuba, requested delay of action on the 
part of the United States until October, and assurance of 
such delay was given. A more liberal Spanish ministry 
under Sagasta having assumed control of affairs in Spain, 
an offer of autonomy was made to Cuba, on condition of 
her submission to the mother country. So intense and un- 
controllable had the indignation of the American people 
against Weylerism in Cuba become, and so earnest and de- 
termined their demand for Weyler's removal, that in the 
autumn of 1897 he was recalled, and Ramon Blanco, a 
patriotic and humane soldier, was appointed Governor- 
General of Cuba, for the avowed purpose of introducing 
home rule in the disordered island; but it was then too late 
to hope for Cuba's acceptance of anything short of inde- 
pendence, absolute and unqualified. It was the judgment, 
however, of Mr. McKinley, in which many Americans 
acquiesced, that Spain should be granted suitable oppor- 
tunity for the trial of autonomy in Cuba ; but it was soon 
ascertained that not even the Spaniards in the island de- 
sired it; and about this time occurred an incident which 
convinced the people of this country, Mr. McKinley in- 
cluded, that the Spanish offer of autonomy was grossly in- 
sincere. A private letter from Dupuy De Lome, the 
Spanish ambassador. at Washington, to a friend at home, 
was intercepted by a secret agent of the Cuban Junta in 
New York, and was found to contain not only disrespectful 
language concerning the President of the United States, 
but the astounding declaration that the offer of autonomy 
to Cuba was a mere diplomatic device to blind the Ameri- 



18 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

can people and postpone intervention. DeLome having 
acknowledged the genuineness of the letter, was given his 
passports, and forthwith left the country, followed by the 
contempt of all men. Close upon the heels of the DeLome 
episode followed the destruction of the "Maine" in 
Havana harbor as already described. 

To the demand of Mr. McKinley upon Spain for repa- 
ration for the " Maine," came the response that in the 
opinion of Spanish naval experts the destruction of our 
battleship was due to internal explosion; to which the 
Spanish press audaciously" added that it was owing to lack 
of discipline on board the "Maine." The insulting sug- 
gestion of Sagasta that the investigation of the " Maine's " 
destruction be left to impartial experts, " whose decision 
Spain accepts in advance," was received by Mr. McKinley 
with unspoken contempt; as he was thoroughly satisfied 
with the report of our own Court of Inquiry. 

On the 9th of March a bill appropriating $50,000,000 
for national defense came from the House to the Senate, 
and was unanimously passed, Democrats vieing with Re- 
publicans in support of the President, upon whose recom- 
mendation the bill had been originally introduced. It 
seemed that in the twinkling of an eye, and as we stood face 
to face with a great national emergency, all sectional feel- 
ing disappeared, by reason, to use the words of a famous 
Scotch divine, of "the expulsive power of a new affection, " 
— a new affection for the Old Flag, which now for the first 
time in half a century floated over a thoroughly united 
people. A thrill of new-born patriotism swept over the 
entire country. United, and engaged in a just cause, we 
began to realize our national strength, and faced the im- 
pending emergency with becoming fortitude. 

Several cruisers were purchased of foreign governments; 
and our own navy yards were busy day and night. Our 
coast defenses were materially strengthened, and our chief 
harbors were mined. The manufacture of arms and 
ammunition, guns and equipments was everywhere 
hastened. The war cloud was considerably larger than a 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 19 

man's hand, and was hourly increasing^ in size, and threat- 
ening- to burst in angry storm upon us, and we began to 
leahze our lack of preparation for armed conflict with even 
a third-i'ate European power. 

The condition of affairs in Cuba remaining unchanged 
a cessation of hostilities between the Spanish and insur- 
gent forces was suggested to the authorities at Madrid, in 
the hope that through the friendh' offices of President 
McKinley peace might be negotiated; but the Spanish 
government and the American people were alike indisposed 
at that juncture of affairs to enter upon such negotiations. 
Sjjain was unyielding in her avowed determination not to 
recall the decree of concentration in Cuba, or to join the 
United States in the w^ork of feeding and clothing the 
needy " reconcentrados"; Spain was willing, however, to 
submit negotiations to the Spanish authorities in Cuba, 
and grant an armistice, on condition that the armed insur- 
gents should request it, but this they could not reasonably 
be expected to do ; and this they would not have done ! 
President McKinley felt, and so declared, that he had ex- 
hausted ever}' honorable effort for the preservation of peace 
between Spain and his own country ; and in a message to 
Congress, reviewing the past and present condition of 
affairs in Cuba, and his efforts to effect a peaceful settle- 
ment of Cuban troubles, he concluded by declaring himself 
in favor of armed intervention by the United States. 
Congress w^as therefore asked to authorize and empow^er 
him to secure a termination of the Cuban War, and give 
to the island a stable government, and to use, if necessary, 
the military and naval forces of the United States. The 
grounds upon which Mr. McKinley addressed Congress 
w-ere clearly explained by his own words wdiich deserve to 
become a part of our national classics. He said : " The 
long trial has proved that the object for tchich Spain 
has ivaged the ivar cannot be attained. The only hope 
of i-elief from a condition ivhicli can no longer be en- 
dured is the enforced pacification of Cuba. In the 
name of humanity; in the name of civilization; in be- 



20 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

half of endangered American iiiterests ivliich gives us 
the right and duty to speak and act, the war in Cuba 
must stop. I have exhausted ever u effort. The issue 
is now ivith Congress.^' The efforts of the American 
government to settle the affairs of Cuba with honor to 
Spain and with justice to the Cubans and our own country, 
have thus briefly been reviewed, as a prelude to the de- 
claration that America was forced into armed interven- 
tion in Cuba, in the interests of humanity, and for self-pro- 
tection ; and hence, if ever a righteous war was waged it 
was that between the United States and Spain in the year 
of our Lord 1898. Any individual or community, there- 
fore, that contributed to the successful issue of that war, 
has just cause of pride, and will receive the praises of 
future generations! 

The attempt in Congress to acknowledge the independ- 
ence of the Cuban insurgents having failed, resolutions 
then passed both houses, and on the 20th of April were 
signed by the President, demanding of Spain the with- 
drawal of her land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban 
waters; and directing and empowering the President to 
use the entire land and naval forces of the United States 
to carry these resolutions into effect. These resolutions 
were sent as an ultimatum to Spain, and she was given 
three days in which to make a satisfactory response ; but 
before the expiration of the time granted. General Wood- 
ford, our Minister at Madrid, was abruptly notified that 
diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain 
were at an end, the resolutions passed by the American 
Congress on the 20tli of April, being considered by the 
Spanish Ministers of Foreign Affairs as " equivalent to a 
declaration of war." General Woodford's passports were 
unceremoniously handed him, and, shaking the dust of 
Spain from his feet, he returned to his native land. 

The long-impending war was inaugurated, and the op- 
portunity near at hand for "Uncle Sam " to put an end to 
Spanish oppression and cruelty in the western continent, 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 21 

and extend the blessings of American civilization to Spain's 
former possessions in the Carribean, 

The United States fleet at Key West, Virginia, known 
as the " North Atlantic Squadron," commanded by Com- 
modore William T. Sampson, was at once ordered to Cuba 
to blockade some of its principal ports ; and foreign powers 
were promptly notihed of the blockade. 

On the 25th of April Congress formally declared war to 
have existed since the 21st, when Minister Woodford's 
passports were so rudely handed him. Except upon the 
sea the declaration of war against Spain found us unprepar- 
ed for the emergency thrust upon us. Our standing army 
consisted of only 18,000 men, but Congress authorized its 
increase to 61,000. The commander of the United States 
forces was Mayor-General Nelson A. Miles. 

On the 23d of April the President called for 125,000 
volunteers to be recruited as far as possible from the State 
National Guards; and all over the country the response was 
prompt and enthusiastic; half a million men being ready 
to fly to the support of '* Old Glory," and to the liberation 
of oppressed Cuba. 

II. 

" War Is Not a Picnic." — Sergeant Hamilton Fish, of the 
Rough Riders, to His Mothei*. 

Remarks of the Hon. Mahlon Pitney, of New Jersey, in the 
House of Representatives, March 8, 1898. 

in the autumn of 1894 Mahlon Pitne}^ of Morristown, 
New Jersey, one of the ablest lawyers of the Morris County 
bar, was elected by a handsome plurality to represent, in 
the lower house of the United States Congress, the Fourth 
Congressional District of New Jersey. 

The brilliant and able record made by Mr. Pitney, dur- 
ing his first term of office, contributed largely to his re- 
election, by an increased plurality, in the autumn of 1806. 

On the 8th of March, 1898, a bill was introduced in the 
House of Representatives appropriating $50,000,000 for 




HON. MAHLON PITNEY. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 23 

national defense, and, among the members who partici- 
pated in the discussion of" the measure was the Hon. Alali- 
lon Pitney. His remarks upon that memorable (K'casion, 
as taken from the Congi-essit)nal Record, wei'O as fVtllows: 

"Mr. Pitnc}' said: Mr. Speaker, witli the unanimous 
sentiment which shows itself on both sides of tins Cham- 
ber it is manifest that not one moment's furtlier dehate is 
necessar}" to secure the prompt adoption of this measure 
without a dissenting voice. And j^et, sir, a decent regard 
for orderly procedure and for the opinions of our own citi- 
zens and of civilized mankind renders it proper that some- 
thing should be said by way of a statement of the reasons 
which impel this action. 

" I agree, Mr. Speaker, that this is not a measure of 
war, but is a measure of peace, designed to secure peace 
b}" means of prompt and wise and thorough preparation 
for the national defense. If it were consistent with the 
peaceful policies of this country to maintain at all times a 
heavy armament, it is manifest that we should not be 
under the shadow of the danger of war to-day. There is 
nothing within our own borders to lead toward war, but 
we cannot control conditions on the outside. 

" And the one thing necessarj', sir, as I think, in order 
to compel peace at the present time, is to have it known, 
not only throughout this land but throughout the civilized 
world, that if, in spite of ever}' honorable effort on our part 
toward the securing of a just and honorable I3eace, war 
should be thrust upon us, the American people will make 
all necessary preparations to do that which must needs be 
done to secure the safety and the honor of our own 
country. (Applause.) 

"I represent, sir, a conservative constituency; a people 
"who do not yield to any in patriotism or in intelligence, but 
who know that war is a dreadful disaster, never to be 
sought and to be undertaken only in the last extremity. I 
feel that I properly represent them in giying my assent to 
this measure, both in committee and upon the floor of the 
House. But in a larger sense we are here, Mr. Speaker, 



24 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



representing not (constituencies, but representing one great 
constituenc3^ We represent the whole people of the Union 
in this matter. We hope that our action at the present 
time will be a lesson for all time to come. 

" We have now the lesson which comes from observing 
a great President, representing a great people, patient 
under a great trial, not provoking enmity or attack from 
any man or from any nation, but seeking only to know the 
truth about a matter of great difficulty, holding himself in 
check and holding the hot-heads among his own people in 
check, desires not to act until the necessity comes for 
action. If the necessity comes, we shall have an object 
lesson in this nation for the civilized world, I think, sir, 
that the preparations the American people will be able to 
make, the efforts they will put forth in a limited time in 
this great emergency, will be an object lesson to the world, 
and will conduce to peace, not only in this emergency, but 
to a lasting peace for future generations. 

"In this view, sir, we support this bill. In this view 
it will be made a law. In this view it will be executed, if 
its execution is deemed by the Executive to be neces- 
sary. We hope that there will be no conflict. We desire 
peace with honor, but we lay a solemn emphasis upon the 
word honor. Honor comes first. It is most important; 
it is the end to be held in view. (Applause.)" 




CHAPTER IV. 

EXCUSE ME, SIR; I HAVE TO REPORT THAT THE SHIP 
HAS BEEN BLOWN UP AND IS SINKING." — "BILL" 
ANTHONY, OF THE "MAINE." 



PATRIOTIC DISCOURSES BY PASTORS OF MORRISTOWN, N. J. 

IN each of the wars in which the United States during 
her brief but momentous national history has engaged, 
the American pulpit has proved itself a potent agency in 
the crj'stallization of an oft-times wavering public senti- 
ment around the great principles involved in these succes- 
sive struggles; and in assisting to fan the slumbering 
embers of patriotism into a vigorous flame which, in each 
instance, has ultimately consumed the enemies of Libert}^, 
Union and Humanit}'. 

When, therefore, in the early part of 1898, war between 
the United States and Spain became imminent, the pastors 
of Morristown, New Jersey, thoroughly conversant with 
the series of cumulative events culminating in the de- 
struction of the " Maine," rendered invaluable aid, b}* in- 
struction and incitement, from pulpit and platform, in the 
work of girding the people of this historic town for the 
impending struggle, which, in view of all the circum- 
stances they were clearly impressed was to be waged in the 
interests of humanity ; a struggle which resulted, as the}' 
confidently believed it would, in the complete expulsion 
from the western hemisphere of a decaying civilization 
which, from the hour of its establishment here four cen- 



26 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

turies ago, had entailed only hopeless degradation and 
suffering upon its victims. 

This volume, designed to formally place Morri^town 
and vicinity on record historically in connection with the 
Spanish -American War would, therefore, be conspicuously 
lacking if it did not contain a few at least of the patriotic 
discourses of its local pastors ; hence, the following are pre- 
sented, with an expression of regret on the part of the 
author that Morristown, in this feature of this volume, is 
not more f ull}^ represented. 

II. 

"Don't Cheer, Boys; the Poor Devils Are Dying" — Captain 
John W. Phillip of the " Texas." 

Patriotic Discourse Delivered by Rev. Albert Erdman, D. D., 
Pastor of the South Street Presbyterian Church of Morris- 
town, N. J., on Sunday Morning, April 24, 1898. 

TEXTS : 
Joshua 5:13 — "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?" 
Exod. 17:15 — " Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord iny Banner." 

There are lessons here not inappropriate to the present 
times. First of all, we have the fact of Jehovah— the Lord 
Christ — appearing to Joshua as a "man of war." It is 
worthy of profound attention how strikingly the manifesta- 
tions of Jehovah accommodate themselves to the various 
circumstances of His people. To Abraham, a wanderer 
and sojourner in Canaan, He manifests Himself as a way- 
faring man; to Moses, about to be called to lead out his 
people from Egyptian bondage, He reveals Himself as the 
Eternal "I Am," the God of the Covenant; so here to 
Joshua, a soldier and an officer, the Lord appears as a 
Soldier too. Captain of the Lord's host. 

It is proper to ask, would the Almighty so frequently 
assume the form and present Himself in the attitude of a 
warrior if all war were wrong and sinful ? It seems to me 
the question answers itself. None the less, in all circum- 
stances, at all times, war is to be deprecated as one of the 
severest judgments of God. The evil passions it excites, 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



27 



its ravages, its bloody contlicts, the distress and terror it 
carries into domestic life, the tears it draws from the widow 
and the fatherless, its fearful cost of life and treasure — all 
render war a tremendous scourge. Nevertheless, there 
are conditions in which war is justifiable, is necessary. It 
mav be the last and only method of repelling lawless am- 
bition and defending invaded liberty and essential rights. 
It ma}' be the only method of preventing or repairing 
injury which God's providence points out In' furnishing the 
means of successful warfare. In these cases we must not 

shrink from war,though 
even in these cases we 
should lament the neces- 
sit}' of shedding human 
blood. In such wars 
our country claims and 
deserves our prayers, 
our cheerful services, 
the sacrifice of wealth, 
and even of life. In such 
wars we are comforted 
when our friends fall on 
the field of battle, for 
we know that thev have 
fallen in a just and hon- 
orable cause. Such con- 

REV. ALBERT ERDMAN, U. D. n- i. 1 • 1 l l 

tiicts, which our hearts 
and consciences approve, are suited to exalt the character, 
to call forth generous sentiments, splendid virtues, to give 
ardor to the patriot, resolution to the hero, and a calm, 
unyielding fortitude to all classes of the community. It is 
a solemn question then which the lips ©f Joshua uttered — 
"Art Thou for us, or for our adversaries '?" 

To render a war justifiable it is not enough that we 
have received injuries; we must ask ourselves have lue 
done our duty to the nation of which we complain ?" Have 
we taken and kept a strictly impartial position towards her 
and her enemies ? Have we sought reparation of injuries 




28 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

in a truly pacific spirit ? Have we insisted only on un- 
doubted rights '? Have we demanded no unreasonable con- 
cessions ? Questions like these must be answered before 
we decide on the character of any particular war. 

To these questions, in our relations with the Spanish 
Government concerning Cuban affairs, it seems to me but 
one answer can be given. 

The only alternative would be to reply that it is no con- 
cern of ours what Spain may do in Cuba, or what scenes 
are transacted on its shores. But that would be horrible — 
the supremest selfishness. We cannot free ourselves from 
the responsibility which in the providence of God has been 
thrust upon us as a people. 

What a feeling of indignation swept through the land 
at England's indifference or unwillingness to interpose, and 
with all the force at her command, to end the awful 
atrocities in Armenia ! And yet the United States is more 
intimately and directly concerned in Cuba than England 
in Armenia. 

And our government has felt this, not onlj^ now, but 
for years, and through successive administrations has 
earnestly sought a solution of the problem. Every resource 
in the interests of peace has been exhausted, and the awful 
fact remains that at our very doors, almost under the 
shadow of the flag we love and honor, scenes of horror and 
shameful cruelty are enacted, almost without parallel in 
human history. It certainly is a solemn and stern question, 
whether our sending supplies to the starving thousands of 
Cuba, the sacrifice of trade and treasure, the cost of main- 
taining the laws of neutrality, not to mention the awful 
crime of the destruction of our warship with its precious 
freight of human lives, due, to say the least, to the in- 
difference or carelessness, not to say the actual connivance, 
of Spanish officials, do not lay upon us the duty and give 
us the right to intervene, and by force, if need be, to put 
an end to such shameful conditions, since it is in our power 
to end them, and Spain has shown herself unable and un- 
willing to do it. War is horrible and always to be de- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 29 

plored, but so is the surgeon's knife. There come occasions 
when it is necessary and inevitable. 

It is certain we are not seeking war for war's sake ; we 
have no selfish end in view ; it's not for ourselves we fight, 
if fight we must; it's no greed of empire or of gain, or to 
maintain rights of our own which are imperilled, but to 
meet a solemn responsibility in -the providence of God 
forced upon us. We cannot, we may not, we must not, 
stand aloof and indifferent. 

Unless Jehovah Himself interpose to turn the heart of 
the oppressor — and for this let us not cease continuallj" to 
pray — it certainly would seem Ho has laid upon this nation 
the solemn responsibilit}' of unsheathing the sword of jus- 
tice. So be it, and God defend the right ! 

But in meeting this stern dut}^ let us see to it that all 
is done in the name of Him whom Moses called " Jehovah- 
Nissi, the Lord my Banner." Read Exod. 17, 8-16. 

Two conditions of success are indicated. The first ap- 
parent condition was the courage and skill of the com- 
mander and his troops; but, and here is the great lesson of 
that conflict on the plain of Rephidim, it is courage and 
skill allied to and not separated from the fear and favor of 
Ahnighty God ; in other words, dependence on the unseen 
spiritual forces of divine approval and help. And thus we 
have a second condition of success. Joshua fought while 
Moses was praying, and while he knew that Moses was 
praying. Both had a conscious hold on the strength of 
the arm of God. So it must be — so it is— in this present 
solemn crisis. The sure hope of victory is tlie assurance 
that God is on our side. 

Let it constantly be kept in mind that we have not 
sought war. We do not want it, we have nothing to gain 
from it; it means the sacrifice of untold treasure and the 
awful cost of precious lives; but neither must we shrink 
from the stern and solemn responsibility of putting an end, 
in God's name, to the intolerable oppression and shameful 
cruelty that so long have desolated the fair island which is 
our nearest neighbor. But also let us not cease to pray 



30 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



that even yet, and speedily, God will intervene and bring 
deliverence out of all our troubles, and let the oppressed 
2:0 free. 





REV. T. I. COULTAS. D. D. 
III. 

'^The Battle of Manilla Killed Me, But I Would Do It 

Again." — (Japtain Charles .Gridley, of the 

" Olympia," on His Death Bed. 

Patriotic Discourse delivered by Rev. Thomas I. Coultas, D.D., 
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Morristown, 
N. J., on Sunday morning, April 24, 1898. Subject : '* The 
King and the Kingdom." 

TEXTS : 
John 18, 37— " Pilate therefore said unto him art thou then a King? Jesus an- 
swered, thou sayest that I am a King." 
Matt. 6, 10—" Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." 

Christianity is a system of peace. Its absolute triumph 
ushers in a condition of universal and unbroken peace. 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 31 

Bat Christianity is a system of righteous principles, and the 
unbroken peace is to come as the result of the universal 
acceptance of these principles. But tliese principles find 
enmity in human hearts and conditions and that peace will 
not be fully established until that enmity is destroyed. It 
was because of this that the Prince of peace said " I come 
to bring a sword." It is possible that human suffering is 
ameliorated and decreased through the suffering of w^ar. 
It is possible that the shortest road to that condition when 
wars shall cease is through a few more battle fields. On 
this principle it is not impossible that God's "Kingdom 
may come " through human struggle and slaughter. 

But if a christian nation may engage in w^ar it is cer- 
tainly only with a full consciousness of rectitude and wdth 
unfeigned sorrow. It is only when it is lifted above its 
passion by the fearfulness and solemnity of that in which 
it is about to engage, and when it can appeal to heaven 
and earth with unfeigned confidence for the uprightness 
of its purpose. If a christian nation goes forth to war it 
should be as the champion of truth and justice, and as the 
minister of God inspired by the holiness of its cause. The 
words of Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts, have in them 
the ring of real christian patriotism: "When I enter 
upon this w^ar I want to enter upon it with a United 
American people — President and Senate and House, and 
navy and army and Democrat and Repubhcan. all joining 
hands and all marching one way, I want to enter upon it 
with the sanction of international law, with the sympathy 
of all humane and liberty-loving nations, with the approval 
of our own consciousness and with a certainty of the ap- 
plauding judgment of history. I confess I do not like to 
think of the genius of the American people, snarling, 
shouting, screaming, clawing with their nails. I like 
rather to think of her in her honest and serene beauty, in- 
spired by sentiments — even toward her enemies — not of 
hate but of love ; perhaps a little pale about her eyes and 
a smile on her lips, but as sure, determined, unerring, in- 
vincible as the archangel Michael when he struck down 



32 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

and trampled upon the demon of darkness ! " Such a spirit 
as this even when it takes up arms is not a warhke spirit ; 
it is the spirit of the Prince of peace reluctantly drawing 
his sword in the defense of principle. 

If war is before us then, as now seems evident, there 
are some things pleasant for us to contemplate. There are 
some facts calculated to make us feel that we are the 
ministers of God for the accomplishment of his purposes. 

1. The first is that it is a movement in the interests of 
humanity, engaged in by us at great cost and sacrifice. 
It is intervention for the deliverance of our fellow men 
from oppression, injustice and suffering. It is only doing 
that which we seem impelled by the very genius of our 
Christian civilization to do. It is onl}^ an effort to give to 
other struggling ones the great blessings of liberty and in- 
alienable rights which God has given us. It would seem 
indeed to be the inevitable harvest of the Christian seed 
that has been planted in the soil of this government. 

We have reason to rejoice that it is not a war of con- 
quest ; it is not a greedy effort to enlarge our territory. 
The resolutions which passed the two Houses of Congress 
clearly disclaim " an}^ disposition or intention to exercise 
sovereignty over Cuba except for the pacification thereof, 
and assert the determination when that is accomplished to 
leave the government and control of the island to its 
people." It is not even a war declared because our com- 
merce is interfered with except incidentally. It is not even 
a war of vengeance because of the destruction of the United 
States battleship "Maine," with 26G of its officers and 
crew. As fearful as was that atrocious deed within itself 
it would not have provoked war. Supremely and essenti- 
ally it is an interference peaceful if possible but bj' violence 
if necessary, to bring about the cessation of those " abhor- 
rent conditions which have existed for more than three 
years in the island of Cuba which have shocked the moral 
sense of the people of the United States and been a disgrace 
to Christian civilization." The story of- suffering and 
butchery in Cuba through the oppression and inhumanity 



o. 


fn 


:z: 


o 

JO 


s 


Cl 




K 




r 




34 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

of Spain is too well known to need repeating. That this 
shall come to an end is the manly and Christ-like declara- 
tion of this government. It is pleasant then to contem- 
plate the motives which actuate us in taking up arms. 

Is it said that this is none of our affairs '? that the Cu- 
ban people are not our people and that we have no right to 
interfere with the sovereignty of a great nation ? Such 
sentiments are unworthy to be spoken. They are only the 
repetition of the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" 
They embody the inference that the Priest and Levite are 
more worthy than the good Samaritan. It may not be our 
business to care for everybody, for that is bej^ond our 
capability, but when the cry of the suffering and perishing 
is in the air from a people who are on our very borders, it 
js our business to give heed. Is it proper that a nation 
whose course for j^ears has been marked by oppression, in- 
justice and butchery, a people who so increased the tor- 
tures of the inquisition that it was called the " Spanish 
inquisition," should practice many of its old time cruelties 
upon a people on our very borders, and we refrain from in- 
terfering ? Is it nothing that 200,000 innocent persons on 
that island have perished within the last few years ? Shall 
we blame " the powers " for not stopping the massacres 
and slaughter in Armenia and then permit this to go on ? 
Na}^ it is rather to our discredit that we have so long 
tolerated it! With the voices of the suffering and perish- 
ing in our ears, as with tears in our e3"es we look up to 
Heaven and ask, " shall we go to the rescue of our fellow 
men '?" it would seem that we could not be mistaken when 
we conclude that we hear a divine voice respond, " Go and 
I will go with you." 

Another pleasant contemplation is, we did not begin 
this war. Actually the question before the Congress and 
the American people for the last few weeks of anxiety has 
not been " shall we declare war ?" but "shall we declare 
that war shall cease ?" War was begun long ago. It has 
been waged in Cuba, and in a barbarous way, for the last 
three years and even longer. We have seen it, and heard 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 35 

it, and been shocked by it. Much has been said lately 
about firin^^ the first gun. It was fired long ago and has 
been followed by others in the most cruel and barbarous 
way. 

The great question with us is not whether war shall be 
begun, but whether it shall be done. Essentially our 
declaration to Spain is not "we will war against you!" 
but " you must cease warring!" The actual attitude of 
the American people is not that of giving encouragement 
to the barbarism of war, l)ut the Christian declaration that 
war ixiust cease. Our position is that of intervention, 
without war if possible, and if by the sacrifice of Hfe, no 
more than is absolutely necessary. With such a motive 
actuating us, with such a method determined upon, having 
exhausted all the methods of peace, it woidd seem that we 
might go fortii with the prayer in our hearts, " Thy king- 
dom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." 

What then should be our prayer and intense desire in 
the present tr3'ing state of affairs ? First that war should 
be as brief as possible. It is horrible enough. God grant 
that it may be of short duration. Again, that God should 
so direct and overrule that there maj' be less suffering 
with, than without war. This is not an effort to increase 
the sum of human suffering. W^e have enough of that 
now. It is an effort to alleviate suffering and put an end 
to its causes. 

Again, that the chastening of the nations may purify 
them. Even Christ declared that he was made perfect bj^ 
suffering. May our own nation come out of this conflict 
more perfect, its people cemented into a closer union, and 
ambitious for a higher civic righteousness. May this war 
be the bloody crucifixion that will bring Spain out into a 
new life, wholly unlike that which for so long has blotted 
the pages of her history. 

Again, and finally, may it lead to measures that will 
stop war forever. It has been said that an alliance be- 
tween those countries peopled by the Anglo-Saxon race 
could compel the peaceful solution of ever}' diplomatic 











^a^^ «!jft(*s^A 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 37 



problem and stop war forever. May it not be tlie intention 
of a gracious Providence by this struggle to bring Great 
Britain and the United States into such an alliance, that 
the prediction of the prophet may be fulfilled and the day 
of universal peace speedily ushered in ? 

If this v^rarfare is fought in the name of God and hu- 
manity, He will bring us out of the fire purified, refined, 
and more truly bearing " his image and superscription." 
He will establish us as a great nation loving liberty and 
peace, and confirm our mission to deliver the oppressed 
of earth. Wherefore let us renew our allegiance to the 
divine King and pray more fervently that His "king- 
dom may come." 

IV. 

I've Got Them and They Will Never Get Home." — Commodore 
Winfield S. Schley, on Guard at Santiago Harbor. 

Patriotic Discourse, Delivered by Rev. Samuel Z. Batten, A. 
M., Pastor of the Baptist Church, Morristown, N. J., on 
Sunday, July 3, 1898. 

THE MEANING OF AMERICA. 
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name 
great; and thou shalt be a blessing.- Genesis, 12: 2. 

The history of the United States some one has said may 
be roughly divided into four epochs. The first is the co- 
lonial period, the time of settlement and nation making, 
when foundations are laid and materials are gathered. 
The second, is the constitutional period, the time in which 
the nation sets up in life for herself and enters upon a new 
and independent life. The third period covers the time of 
the anti-slavery agitation and closes with the civil war and 
the emancipation proclamation. In this period the nation 
comes to self- consciousness and learns that it is a unit, 
with one past, one present, one future. These three epochs 
represent the three great ideas which may be said to repre- 
sent the great American idea: Religious Hberty; civil 
liberty; industrial liberty. 




REV. SAMUEL Z. BATTEN, A. M. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 30 

•But history is proj^ressive. We cannot as a nation re- 
peat the past or live on past achievements. I believe that 
we are entering upon a new and wonderful epoch, and 
that in this epoch our American ideas are to have a 
wider field and a keener trial. Let me call your attention 
to two thoughts as we pass on to consider our nation's 
duty and destin3^ 

I. The first is what we may call the principle of solid- 
arity. We are slowly gaining what is called the sense of 
humanity. We are steadily coming to comprehend the 
great truth in the words of the Apostle tliat God hath 
made of one blood all nations of men. We have learned 
the lesson of solidarity in the famiU^ life ; we have learned 
that we are one, that we are bound together by ties that 
we did not make and that we cannot break; we have 
learned that the good of one is the good of all, and the 
hurt of one is the hurt of all. We have also learned this 
with respect to the nation, and Lincoln spoke out of his 
deep insight into things when he declared that we could 
not be one-half slave and one-half free. In a hundred 
ways this principle is finding recognition, and men are 
coming to see that the saving of one means the saving of 
all, that a hnrt to one is a hurt to all. In a hun- 
dred ways the truth is coming home to us that the ages 
and the nations are bound up together in the one bundle 
of life, and that in the gain or loss of one man all the rest 
have equal share. We of to-day are the stronger or the 
weaker for the virtues and the vices of men long dead. 

The world is one gi^eat neighborhood and no longer can 
one nation resolve that it will have no dealings with its 
fellow. Prices are determined not alone by the local sup- 
ply. A run on a bank in London causes a panic on the 
other side of the globe. Commercial interests are making 
us see how really and truly the world is one great market. 
England is interested in the prosperity of America, for her 
citizens have millions of dollars invested in this land. We 
are interested in the condition of things in far off India 
and far distant Arabia. W^hether that little Moham- 



40 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

medan village is sanitary and moral, concerns us more 
than words can tell; for out of that little village may come 
the plague to bring sorrow into a million of homes. The 
policy of isolation is flying into the face of the universe. 
China tried that policy and doomed herself to stagnation. 
Nations have tried this and they have stagnated and de- 
clined so far as the}^ have succeeded. The wisest states- 
manship is coming to see that the true policy' for States 
that would live and prosper is diffusion and wide relation- 
ships. The world is one great family and we cannot build 
a wall around ourselves and resoU^e that we will have no 
dealings with the rest of the world. 

For mankind is one in spirit, and an instinct bears along. 
Round the earth's electric circle, the swift flash of 
right or wrong; 
Whether conscious or unconscious, yet humanity's vast 
fame. 
Through its oceans — sundered fibres feel the gush of 
joy or shame. 
In the gain or loss of one race, all the rest have equal 
claim. 

Our national policy thus far has been personal and 
American, and this was necessary no doubt in the period 
of formation and growth. But those who would continue 
to make it provincial and narrow are not the best friends 
of America. We have had statesmen who have advo- 
cated a narrow exclusive national pohcy; they have hved 
by the theory that America is sufficient unto herself and 
that she owes nothing to the rest of the world. For the 
future this policy will not avail, and will be no longer pos- 
sible. We are a nation among nations and we must bear 
our part in this world-fellow-ship. The fact is that we 
can grow ourselves and fulfill our manhood only in and 
through these wide relationships. 

II. The second truth is that power to its last atom means 
responsibility. It has long been a commonplace of Ameri- 
can thought that we are an elect nation. Let us believe 



42 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



this and then seek to make our calHng and election sure. 
What Cromwell said of England is even more true of 
America: " We are a people with the stamp of God upon 
us." And Carl yle in his note on Cromwell's speech de- 
clares that " The Bible of eyery nation is its own history." 
Having accepted this truth we now proceed to ask : What 
is the meaning of our election ? Unto what work are we 
called and chosen 'i Election is never election to privilege 

but to service ; men are 
blessed that they may 
be a blessing. 

We are a chosen and 
elect people. Chosen for 
what end ? Elected to 
do what work ? As we 
answer this question 
shall our future and our 
destiny be. Many would 
tell us that we are chosen 
for our own sakes, that 
we may become the 
richest, strongest nation 
on the earth, and that 
we may be set on high 
among the nations. That 
is just what the Jew of 
old said, and because 
he said that he lost 
his election. No, we are chosen and ordained to serv^e the 
world ; we are elected to do God's work among the nations ; 
we are blessed that we may be a blessing. Let us in 
humility and consecration accept our mission and then 
give diligence to make our calling and election sure, by 
rising up to meet the new obligations and by playing our 
part in the world's struggle for life and progress. 

I believe that the American name is called in the Provi- 
dence of God to represent a new idea among the nations of 
the earth. This war in which we are now engaged is one 




ALFRED DeGROOT. 
Company A, Eighteenth U. S Infantrj'. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 43 

of the turninf^: points in our nation's history. No one can 
regret the necessity of the war more than I. For war is 
an evil thing, and can be jastified onl}' by plain and palpa- 
ble necessity; it can be justified only when the interests of 
humanity are at stake and all other recourse have failed. 
As some of you know, I have pleaded for a peaceful settle- 
ment of the difficulties in Cuba. But I have pleaded also 
for the rights of humanity, and have believed that we can- 
not pass by on the other side while Cuba lies bleeding and 
dying by the roadside. The misery, the injustice, the op- 
pression in this little island have touched us all, and soon 
or late we must intervene. The logic of events wrought 
out the conclusion, and we entered upon the war with a 
once friendly nation. The existence of civil war and mis- 
government in Cuba affected us in many ways. It cost 
our government great sums of money, it hurt our trade, 
and above all it offended our sense of humanit}". And so 
wepledgei oar lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor in 
behalf of the liberation of this people from the yoke of 
bondage. In this war there has been a recognition of the 
two principles that I have named. We have come to see 
that the interests of Cuba are our interests; we have come 
to see also that power means responsibility. There is some- 
thing fine and noble in all this, something that stirs our 
hearts and warms our blood. 

But out of this war are coming results that no one an- 
ticipated. There is a stra,nge Providence in this war, and 
no one can j'et foresee what the outcome will be. The 
thing we started out to do has not yet been done ; the Cu- 
bans are yet starving and djnng. But other things we did 
not expect and could not foresee have been done and will 
be done. As a war measure we have destroj^ed the Spanish 
fleet in the Philippine islands; as another war measure we 
have blockaded Porto Rico. The war will not end now 
till the Spanish rule is broken forever in Cuba, the Philip- 
pine islands and Porto Rico, and no one can say what 
other islands. Now that we are in the thick of the war 
we must fight it out to a finish. And when the war is 



4-J- MOKRISTOWN IN THE 

ended, as it will be soon, what shall we do ? We must 
never return these islands to Spain ; we must accept the 
full responsibility that is thrust upon us, and must bless 
these lands so long cursed by misgovernment and tyranny. 
On the other hand we must not annex these islands, with- 
out the full and free consent of the people themselves. We 
are not fighting for territory, but for humanity. We must 
not annex these islands, and we must not return them to 
Spain. Rather we must establish a protectorate over them 
and take to them the blessings of our civilization, in the 
hope that they may become fitted for self-government 
themselves. We must, in a word, accept the responsibili- 
ty thrust upon us, and redeem these islands cursed so long 
bj^ tyranny and priestcraft. Spain has proved her unfit- 
ness to rule these islands by four centuries of trial. Now 
we must take up the burden that falls from her shoulders 
and bear it manfull}", not for our profit, but for their bless- 
ing. 

Several things are required of us in order that we may 
meet the new occasions and may fulfill the new obliga- 
tions. What the outcome of the w^ar shall be no one can 
say; but the event is in the hand of God. There are how- 
ever, several near and urgent duties. 

I. We must prosecute the war with energ}', wisdom 
and hopefulness. The exploits of our soldiers and sailors 
have thrilled us all and have brought the tears to our eyes. 
Dewey's exploit in Manila Bay shows the stuff of which 
our sailors are inade ; and believe me, that exploit on that 
early May morning will live forever in American history. 
Hobson's daring deed shows that there is iron in the 
American blood. But these are only representative deeds. 
You recall that wdien seven volunteers were called for to 
go with Hobson into almost certain death, that four thou- 
sand men volunteered and clamored to go. A people with 
such a spirit as that can never be conquered, and Spain is 
foolish beyond the power of words in longer prosecuting 
the war. Men have been telling us that the victories of 
peace have enervated the Anglo-Saxon stock, that we have 




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46 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

become a nation of shopkeepers and that we cannot stand 
the hardships and trials of battle. The fears are not justi- 
fied by events. There is iron, plenty of it j'et in the Ameri- 
can branch at least, of the Anglo-Saxon race. 

II. We must enter into closer relations with all liberty 
loving peoples. One blessed result is coming out of this 
war. We are one people, and when the war ends there 
will be no North, no South, no East, no West. In these 
days of trial and battle we have felt the thrill of life run- 
ning through the hearts of the American people, and we 
have learned that we are brothers, with one flag, one hope, 
one destiny. Not only so, but we must enter into closer 
affiliations with all liberty-loving and progressive peoples 
of the wide earth. This war has made us know that the 
Anglo-Saxon race is one. Out of this war will come closer 
affiliation with England. With all its faults — and they are 
many — the great British Empire stands for liberty, for 
justice, for education, for Christianity. To this race on 
both sides of the sea has been committed a great and splen- 
did work. We are the missionary race; the progressive 
and expansive race. England and America are one peo- 
ple, with one language, one religion, one blood, one hope, 
and destiny. In 1867 Tennyson wrote to Longfellow: 
" We English and Americans should all be brothers as 
none other among the nations can be; and some of us, 
come what may, will always be so, I trust." And our 
own Whittier has voiced the common life : 

O Englishmen — in hope and creed. 

In blood and tongue our brothers ; 
We too are heirs of Runn}- mede ; 
And Shakespeare's fame and Cromwell's deed 

Are not alone our mother's. 

Thicker than water in one rill. 

Through centuries of story 
Our Saxon blood has flowed, and still 
We share with you the good and ill, 

The shadow and the glory. 

We do not want an alliance with England offensive 
and defensive, for that would be both unwise and danger- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 4? 

ous. No, we want something better and more vital; a 
closer (;o-ope ration, a fraternal sympathy, in which each 
will inspire the other to nobler and higher living and do- 
ing. The prospect of these two great nations linked to- 
gether in tlie bonds of sympathy and co-operation in be- 
half of liberty and Christianity is enough to warm the 
heart and to thrill the brain. Such a fraternal bond or 
league to deliver the oppressed and to lift up the fallen will 
be the most splendid achievement of the twentieth century. 
Such a league let us hope and pray may be consummated, 
not for conquest, not in behalf of trade, not in order to ex- 
tend territory, but in behalf of truth, and righteousness 
and peace. These two nations in close sympathy can 
speak the masterful word in the world's politics and diplo- 
macy. 

III. And we must purge our own life of the things that 
poison our blood and sap our vitality. There are many 
things sadly and tragically amiss with us, and these evils 
we must take resolutely in hand. Some would tell us that 
we had better not undertake the deliverance of the oppress- 
ed abroad till we have delivered the miserable at home. 
Others tell us that we must not think of undertaking the 
responsibility for other peoples till we have proved our fit- 
ness for the task. Still others tell us that we must purge 
our own land from some monstrous evils, otherwise we 
shall but compass sea and land to add new peoples to our 
flag, onl}' to make them ten-fold more the children of hell 
than ourselves. These things should cause earnest heart 
searching and should svimmon us to resolute endeavor. I 
tremble as I think of the future. Thus far we have not 
shown as a people any high sense of the great responsi- 
bilities of our citizenship. The better class of citizens have 
been engaged in money-making, and have given little at- 
tention to affairs of State. We have turned over to the 
groundlings and jobbers the sacred responsibilities of our 
citizenship. There is not a large American city that has 
a half decent municipal government. Many things ought 
to be done by our cities and States that must go undone, 



48 MORRISTOWN IK THE 

for the simple reason that the quality of men in public of- 
fice forbids. It is probable that we as a nation may be 
educated into greatness and manhood by the increasing 
weight of responsibility thrust upon us. Let us pray that 
this may be the case. 

And we must remember, whatever may be the outcome 
of the war and the relation of these new lands to us, that 
we are charged with their moral and civil welfare. We 
must therefore take them — everything that is good in our 
national life and keep from them all that is evil. The 
dealer in the strong drink stands waiting to enter these 
new lands with his accursed traffic. Now we must put 
the whole power of our nation under bonds to prevent the 
introduction of this evil into these islands. If we begin to 
exploit these peoples for the sake of gain, if we carry to 
them oar vices and keep from them our virtues, the curse 
of God will fall upon us. The curse of God will fall upon 
the Administration, or the party, or the nation that opens 
the floodgates of intemperance in these islands. Send 
them our Bibles, our schools, our books and papers; but 
in the name of humanity keep oar ram, our greed, our cor- 
ruption at home. 

The perversion of the best good is the worst evil, says 
an old proverb. Opportunity to the last atom means re- 
sponsibility. Honest}- of heart, steadiness of will, a love 
of fair play, a passion for righteousness — these are the 
things that make nations great and enduring. Great ideas 
are to be the forerunners of great-souled men. The name 
of America is a trumpet-call to high thinking, and great 
living; it is an inspiration to unselfish citizenship and 
patriotic service. Let me close with these magnificent 
words of Washington, uttered in the dark and trying daj's 
of our early history : " It is too probable that no plan we 
propose will be adopted. Perhaps another dreadful conflict 
is to be sustained. If, to please the people we offer what 
we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend 
our works ? Let us raise a standard to which the wise 
and honest can repair; the event is in the hand of God." 



CHAPTER V. 

YOU CAN FIKE WHEN YOU ARE READY, GRIDT.EY." — 
COMMODORE DEWEY, AT MANILA. 



WAR MEETINGS. 

Held in A. T. A. Torbert Post Rooms, Washington Street, 
Morristown, N. J., on April 23, and April 25, 1898.— 
Speech of Rev. J. M. Buckley, D. D.. at the Convention 
of the National Society of the Sons of the American 
Revolution. 

THE war between the United States and Spain virtually 
commenced April 21, 1898, when the Spanish Minis- 
ter of Foreign Affairs at Madrid prematurely thrust into 
the hands of General Stewart L. Woodford, the Ameri- 
can Minister at Spain, his passports, thus rudeh' breaking 
off diplomatic relations between the two countries ; but Avar 
was not formally declared by the United States Congress 
until April 25, 1898, when it was announced to have ex- 
isted since the 21st inst. On the 2;jrd of April, President 
McKinley, acting under authorit}' of the United States 
Congress conferred b}' act of April 22, issued a call for 
125,000 volunteer troops; and in response to which 750,000 
applications for enlistment were promptl}' received. In 
anticipation of the call for volunteers the following an- 
nouncement appeared on April 22 in the Morristown news- 
papers : 

A CALL TO arms! 

" All men desirous of forming a Military Organization 
in Morristown are invited to meet at the G. A. R. Hall, 
Washington Street, on Saturday evening, April 23, at 8 



50 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



o'clock. Come, wliether you expect to volunteer or not; 

learn the drill and be ready for any emergency." 

The result of this " Call " may be substantially learned 
from the following extracts from the " Jerseyman " and 
" Chronicle," of April 29, 1898: 

MORRISTOWN AWAKE. 



ENTHUSIASTIC l>EMONSTRATION SATURDAY NIGHT — A 
MILITARY ORGANIZATION FORMED — REV. A. M. SHER- 
MAN AND OTHER VETERANS SPEAK — CONGRESSMAN 
PITNEY'S SPEECH. 

Pursuant to call a large and entliusiastic meeting was 
held in the G. A. R. Hall Saturday evening, April 23. 

The meeting was called 



to order by Isaac R. 
Pierson, who stated that 
as there had been an 
earnest desire on the part 
of many to have a mili- 
tary organization in this 
city the meeting had 
been called for that pur- 
pose. Major Henry M. 
Dalrymple was chosen 
chairman, and took his 
place amid tumultuous 
applause. The Major 
said he was reminded of 
the stirring times of 'Gl, 
when the citizens of 
the town met on similar 
occasions, and the boy& 
learned to step and kept on stepping until they were in 
Virginia and the Carolinas. He was glad to see so much 
enthusiasm and a disposition to stand by the country at 
this time. Fred. B. Cobbett was elected secretary. 

A number of the veterans were called upon by the 
chairman to express their opinions. Rev. A, M. Sherman 



AlAjoR HhNKi M. l>Ai,RV.MPLK, 
Chairman Morristown War Meetings. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



Ol 



led off with a thrillin,i2f and patriotic address. He referred 
to the times of the late war wlien so many were found 
ready to give themselves to the service of the nation, and 
spoke especially of the young men who enlisted, ho him- 
self being but 17 when he entered the service. He also 
spoke of the justice of the present war on humane grounds 
and gave a summary of the causes leading up to it. His 
remarks aroused the utmost enthusiasm, and were heartily 
applauded. Major Holbrook, and comrades Doty, Davis, 
Hannas and others also spoke. 

The following resolutions were offered by Isaac R. 
Pierson, chairman of the 
committee on resolu- ^ 
tions, and adopted : — 
Whereas, in the pursu- 
ance of a wise and 

humane policj' our 

government finds it- 
self compelled to ap- 

j)eal to arms to secure 

the cessation of a most 

inhuman policy on the 

part of the Spanish 

government in Cuba; 

and also, we trust, to 

secure proper satisfac- 
tion and indemnity for 

the destruction of the 

battle-ship Maine and 

the murder of 266 

members of her crew 

while in the friendly harbor of Havana; therefore be it 
Resolved, That we, citizens of Morristown, do hereby 
express our hearty approval of the action of the President 
and Congress in the steps they have taken. 

Resolved, That we pledge our hearty support to the 
government in the conflict just inaugurated. 

Resolved, That in order to be prepared for whatever 




ISAAC R. PIF.RSON. 

Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions of 
the War Meetings in Morristown. 



52 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



service we may be called upon to perforin, we proceed to 
the formation of a military organization, select proper of- 
ficers, and be instructed in military tactics. 

In order to facilitate the work of organization, the fol- 
lowing conmiittee was appointed: C. Allen Baker, W. 
M. Vance, A. M. Sherman, Wm. Hessej^ Geo. J. Cory, 
Wm. Woodrutf, Seymour V. D. Everett. 

The chairman appointed an Advisory Commitee from 
the members of the Post as follows: G. D. Young, E A. 
Doty, Wm. Becker, L. P. Hannas, Fred Muchmore. 

After the enrollment of names the meeting was ad- 
journed to Monday even- 
ing, April 25, and the 
crowd passed out into 
the street, where a line 
was formed and headed 
by George Grove, as 
color bearer, and an im- 
promptu drum corps, 
march was then taken 
up about the Park and 
through the principal 
city streets. While on 
the march it became 
known to the leaders 
that Congressman Pit- 
ne}" was in town and, 
halting in front of his 
office in the National 
Iron Bank Building, 
they called for a speech 
from the Congressman. Mr. Pitney soon appeared on the 
steps and was greeted with cheers, and cries of ' ' Speech I 
Speech !" Removing his hat he spoke as follows : 

My Friends : I am at a loss to understand why it is 
that you always expect me to make a speech. (Voice from 
the crowd: " Because you can do it.") In my opinion, 
this is not a time for speech-making, but a time for action. 




DR. STEPHEN PIERSON, 

Actively Identified with the Morristown War 
Meetiugs. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



53 



It is easy in a time like this to make a speech that will stir 
the patriotic sentiment of the people, but it is a better mani- 
festation of patriotic sentiment that those of the people, 
able and wiUing to do so, volunteer their services in the 
cause of their country ; and that, I understand, is what 
3'ou are expressing a willingness to do. I hope that your 
reasonable desire will be gratified. Morristown and Morris 
count}' can furnish as good brawn and bone, and as good 
brain to fight in the cause of the country as any other com- 
munity in the laud. The 



time is not opportune for 
me to enter into a dis- 
cussion of the causes 
which have led our 
nation into this conflict, 
or of the results which 
will follow its successful 
conclusion. It may be 
that at some time in the 
future I may have the 
opportunity to address 
my fellow-citizens upon 
this subject. I only want 
to say now that we be- 
lieve that the country is 
right in this great con- 
flict. (Cheers.) We have 
been, those of us who 
have been in positions of responsibility, exceedingly reluctant 
to cast a vote or take any action which would precipitate this 
war. But we believe that the welfare, the honor of the 
country, and the respect that is due to a great nation like 
ours in the eyes of its own citizens and in the opinion of 
the civilized world, demanded that the conflict should 
open. In the cause of the right, in the cause of humanity, 
in the name of the honored sailors of the battleship Maine, 
and in the name of civilization, protesting against brutal 
outrages which have continued for three years at our very 



FREDERICK B. COBBETT, 
Secretary of Morristown War Meetings. 



54 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

threshold and which are no longer endurable in the sight 
of God or man, we have appealed of necessity to the God of 
Battles; and we beh eve that in so just a cause He will 
give us the victory. (Cheers.) 

In the meantime, the conflict may not be so short as 
some enthusiasts would have it. I do not think myself 
that it is going to be a matter of only a week or two, or of 
thirty days. It seems to me that in order to insure suc- 
cess the war must be waged on those lines which have al- 
ready been laid out, and which seek to gain a sure advan- 
tage rather than a speedy one. 

Therefore, the patience of the people must be invoked 
in this great crisis ; and those of you who may have the 
opportunity to enlist, and also those who may be compelled 
to stay at home, have each a patriotic task to perform in 
sustaining the courage, patience and patriotism of the peo- 
ple, resolved that you will be with your country, hoping 
that it may be always right, but, whether right or wrong 
as against any foreign power, that j^ou will be one and all 
for j'our country. (Applause and cheers.) 

I now propose three cheers for William McKinley, 
Commander-in-Chief of the Armj^ and Navj' of the United 
States. 

They were given with a will. 

With some further marching the demonstration ended 
for the evening. 

II. 

" Don't Mind Me Boys, Go On Fighting. — Captain Allen Capron, 
of the Rough Riders When Mortally Wounded. 

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZATION. 

On Monday afternoon the Committee on Organization 
met at the office of Wilde & Cory, on High Street, and dis- 
cussed plans of organization. As a large number of those 
enrolled on Saturday evening as desirous of joining the 
company were under age, and as the number included 
many who did not expect to go to the front if needed, but 
simply joined for the purpose of drill, having been misled 



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56 MORRISTOWN IN THE 



by the call for the meeting, it was decided to appoint a re- 
cruiting committee to pass upon the present roll and secure 
new names, the committee appointed being Messrs. Cory, 
Everett and Woodruff. It was also voted to recommend 
to the organization and the public the renting of a hall in 
the new Lippman building for drilling purposes, and that 
the first meeting of the company for organization and elec- 
tion of officers be held on Monday evening following the 
second public meeting. This committee also met with the 
Advisory Committee on Monday evening before the open- 
ing of the public meeting. 

III. 

" Doa't Swear, Boys. Shoot!"— Colonel Wood to Eough Riders. 

SECOND PATRIOTIC MEETING. 

The meeting of Monday evening, April 25, was also 
large and enthusiastic. Major Dalrymple presided and 
reports of the secretary and the special committee on or- 
ganization were read and accepted. After some very gen- 
eral discussion Dr. Stephen Pierson was called upon, and, 
reviewing briefly the stirring events of sixty-one, and the 
methods adopted in the organization of military companies, 
he suggested that the Mayor of the city be requested to 
call a public meeting in order that the matter might be 
properly presented to the people, whose endorsement and 
influence and support could easily be secured. Resolutions 
were then adopted authorizing the recruiting committee to 
proceed in the enrollment of names, and instructing the 
general committee to request the Mayor to call a pubhc 
meeting for the purpose above stated. It was stated at 
the meeting that Mr. McAlpin had offered the use of the 
hall in the McAlpin block for the use of the company. 

The enrollment list was kept open at Wilde & Cory's 
office, on High Street, where any who desired to do so 
could sign it. 

Inasmuch as it seemed improbable that Governor Fos- 
ter M. Voorhees would accept a military company from 




EDWARD A. QUAYLE, 
Mayor of Morristown, N. J. 



58 MORRISTGWN IN THE 

Morristown, since the three New Jersey Regiments fur- 
nished under the President's call for 125,000 volunteers al- 
ready had the full number of company organizations, the 
committee appointed to wait upon Mayor Edward A. 
Quayle, and request the calling by him of a third public 
war meeting, before which the matter of organizing such 
company should be laid, took no definite action ; and as 
subsequent events demonstrated their conclusion was a 
correct one. Several young men of Morristown and 
vicinity however, enlisted in the New Jersey regiments 
whose company organizations were as yet incomplete, and 
also in the New Jersey Naval Reserve; and a few were 
already serving in the United States Regulars, and in the 
Navy, Several young men from Morristown joined New 
York State regiments — the Twelfth, Fourteenth, Sixty- 
ninth and Seventy-first ; and two or more enlisted in Penn- 
sylvania Batteries. The names of these and other volun- 
teers from this city and vicinity will appear in the list of 
"Defenders of National Honor" — to be found near the 
close of this volume. 

IV. 

" Who would not gamble for a New Star in the Flag?" — Cap- 
tain Buckley O'Neill, of the Rough Riders. 

On Saturday, April 30, 1898, the Convention of the 
" National Society of the Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion " opened in Morristown, N. J., the public exercises 
being held in Lafayette Hall. At the opening of the after- 
noon session a resolution was unanimously adopted en- 
dorsing the policy of the government in the management 
of the conflict between the United States and Spain, and 
copies of the resolution were ordered sent to the President, 
Vice-President, Speaker of the House and Secretaries 
Alger and Long, of the Army and Navy respectively. 
Each of the gentlemen who spoke to this resolution em- 
phasized the righteousness of the war, and the lofty aim of 
the United States in raising its powerful hand for humani- 
ty and liberty in the unselfish interest of its neighbor. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 59 

General Fitz Hugh Lee was also eulogized, and a memorial 
calling upon the President to appoint him a Major-Geneva' 
of Volunteers was adopted. At the banquet held in the 
evening in the McAlpin Hall, several patriotic speeches 
were made, from which the following by Rev. J. M. 
Buckley, D. D., is selected as bearing more directly upon 
the war then inaugurated : Dr. Buckley's subject was, 
" Three Degrees of Patriotism;" and in substance he said : 
" I am a descendant of both sides — my maternal grand- 
father having fought in the Revolutionary army, and my 
father's grandfather in the British army. 

" My first degree of patriotism is represented in the 
American citizen who goes straight along, minds his own 
business, supports his family and pays his taxes. He is 
the bone and sinew of the land and will do if only he 
wakes up once in a while when his country needs him. A 
second degree patriot must have these qualities and a 
genuine and continuous enthusiasm, so that no matter 
where he is, in time of war or peace, the very name of his 
country stirs him. If he happens to go to Europe and 
hears a sneer at America he must be a man and stand and 
fight it out. A walk of six miles in any country of the 
Old World would give him occasion to prove that his 
-country is superior in freedom, intelligence, territory and 
rapidity of progress to any nation on earth, and to say all 
that, a man requires genuine patriotism. It is my opinion 
that there is only one thing in the world worse than a 
sneer, and that is an ' English grunt. ' 

" A third degree patriot puts his country before all 
others and is willing to sacrifice everything for his native 
land." Speaking of the w^ar between the United States 
and Spain he said : " I was against war until the Congress 
declared it existed ; but now, it is my duty as a patriot of 
the third degree to join in the support of my country ; and, 
therefore, as a patriot I am ready to have flour, butter or 
anything else go up, and to put stamps on all I use, and, 
if necessary, to fight for my country, A patriot of the 
third degree, when the time requires it, will neglect his 



CO MORRISTOWN IN THE 

private affairs for the sake of his country, for if the 
countr}' ^oes what will become of every man's private 
affairs V " 




CHAPTER VI. 

TO HELL WITH BREAKFAST ; LET'S FINISH 'eM NOW 
A YANKEE GUNNER TO COMMODORE DEWEY 
AT MANILA. 



A GEEAT NAVAL VICTORY AND ITS CELEBRATION. 

Dewev's Naval Victory in Manila Bav • — How Morristown, 
N. J., Celebrated Dc^wey's Victory May 7. 1898. 



A GREAT NAVAL VICTORY. 

WHEN, on the 25th of April, 1898, the United States 
Congress formally declared war against Spain there 
lay at anchor in the harbor of Hong Kong, China, the 
"Asiatic Squadron " of American warships in command of 
Commodore George W. Dewey. On the same day that 
war was declared Dewey received orders by cable from 
President McKinley through the Navj^ Department 
at V/ashington, D. C, to proceed at once to Manila 
bay and either capture or destro}^ the Spanish fleet 
under Admiral Montejo; and, on the morning of April 
30, the American squadron was at the narrow en- 
trance of Manila bay, fifty^ miles from the city of Manila. 
In the darkness of night of the same day^ the squadron, led 
by the flagship " Olympia," and followed, with a distance 
of about five miles between by^ the other ships, stole into 
the harbor. While passing the Spanish fortifications at 
the harbor's entrance a few shots were exchanged, and a 
return shot from the " Boston" is said to have disabled a 



62 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Spanish gun and killed about forty men. Among the 
crews of Dewey's squadron it was generally supposed that 
at least one of the ships would be destroyed by the Spanish 
sub-marine mines planted in the harbor, in the effort to 
reach Montejo's fleet; and the ship leading the squadron 
was considered the one that would be sacrificed. Subse- 
quent developments, however, have shown that Commo- 
dore Dewey's fuller information received from English 
naval officers concerning the location and neglected con- 
dition of the submarine mines, materially reduced, in his 
own estimation at least, the risk of destruction and justi- 
fied the flagship "Olympia" in leading the American 
squadron into the harbor on that memorable night. 

At about five o'clock on Sunday morning, May 1, Dewey's 
squadron was within five miles of Manila, and a few min- 
utes later the Spanish guns at Manila and Cavite opened 
fire almost simultaneously on the American ships. Under 
this cross-fire Commodore Dewey deliberately prepared his 
ships for action ; and, at about quarter before six o'clock 
turning to Captain Gridley in command of the " Olympia,' 
he calmly said: "You may fire when you are ready," 
and a moment later a shot from one of Gridley's 8-inch 
guns in the forward turret started straight for the Spanish 
flagship, the "Reina Christina" ; and there began the naval 
battle that has given undying glory to every participant, 
and placed the United States among the foremost sea- 
powers of the world ; for it was unquestionably one of the 
most brilliant and remarkable naval achievements of all 
liistor}^ properly ranking with Nelson's victory in Trafal- 
gar bay and Farragut's in Mobile bay. As the battle pro- 
gressed there spread from ship to ship of Dewey's squadron 
the significant slogan, "Remember the Maine"; and the 
thundering cheer that followed betokened victory for the ad- 
vancing squadron. For nearly three hours the battle raged, 
resulting in the annihilation of Montejo's fleet; and so terri- 
fic was the combined cannonade of the American and Span- 
ish guns ; so deepl}^ exciting the scene, and so thrilling the 
experiences of participants during the engagement ; and so 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 63 

highly exuberant the mingled rejoicings of Dewey's sailors 
wljen it became known that victory was achieved, that 
after a lapse of eighteen months, one at least of its partici- 
pants, as he modestly declares, fights the battle over again 
in his dreams. " How I ever came out of that battle alive 
and uninjured is more than I can understand," is the lan- 
guage of this same returned American sailor; supple- 
mented by the reverent remark, " It must be God's hand 
was in it." 

The second engagement, following breakfast, and re- 
sulting in the capture of the Spanish naval station at 
Cavite, was onl}^ the conclusion of the battle which began 
with Dewey's instructions to brave Gridley. When sub- 
sequently questioned as to Admiral Montejo's statement 
that he lost the battle in Manila bay because his guns were 
of insufficient calibre to reach the American ships, one of 
the crew of the " Ealeigh " indignantly exclaimed : " Why, 
the fact is, many shots from the Spanish guns passed com- 
pletely over the ' Raleigh', and Had they been accurately 
aimed would have destroyed her. Poor marksmanship" — 
this same participant declared — " on the part of the Span- 
ish gunners was what saved our ships, some of them at 
least, from destruction. Dewey effectually prevented the 
Spanish gunners from keeping the range of his ships by 
frequently changing their rate of speed as they passed and 
repassed, in elliptical course, the terrific storm of shot and 
shell desperately hurled at them from the Spanish warships 
and land batteries." Indeed, an English naval authority 
had prophesied of the Spanish sailors : ' ' They are capable 
of dying at their guns with marvelous heroism, or in fact 
of doing anything ^\ith them or at them, except to point 
straight at a given point." The announcement through 
Spanish sources of Dewey's remarkable naval achievement 
in Manila bay, which reached the United States in the 
afternoon of the same day, thrilled the hearts of America's 
patriotic millions and compelled the admiration of the en- 
tire civilized world. The talk of European intervention to 
save Spain from inevitable defeat and national mortifica- 








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SPANISH-AMEKICAN WAR 65 



tion at once ceased, and only protestations of neutrality 
were heard. "Dewey Day" was promptly set apart in 
m my cities and towns, and school children rehearsed patri- 
otic speeches and songs for its celebration. The United 
States Congress, by a congratulatory joint resolution 
imanimously passed, extended the thanks of the American 
people to Commodore Dewey and his officers and men for 
their splendid work. Congress also appropriated the sun\ 
of $3,000 for the purchase of a diamond-inlaid sw«rd to be 
presented to Commodore Dewey as a mark of esteem, and 
as a recognition of his invaluable services. It had already 
been demonstrated that the American people could success- 
full}' develop the inexhaustible natural resoin-ces of the 
Western continent; that they could quickly amass vast 
fortunes that put to shame tiie riches of ancient Croesus ; 
we had been sneeringly charged by European nations with 
being a purely "mercantile people," and one had spoken 
of us as "Yankee Pigs;" and now we had impressive!}' 
proven to the world that when necessary, and when en- 
gaged in a righteous cause, we could fight — and "smash 
things." 

T(j say that when the particulars of Dewey's victor}' in 
Manila bay, without the loss of a man or a ship, and with 
the odds, all things considered, decidedly against him, 
were officially announced the American people were for the 
time wild with enthus-iasm, is only a conservative state- 
ment of the fact. 

II. 

■" Don't get between my guns and the enemy." — Commodore 
Dewey to Prince Henry of Germany. 

" DEWEY " CELEBRATION IN MORRISTOWN, N. J. 

The following account of the demonstration in Morris- 
town, N. J., on May 7, 1898, in commemoration of Dewey's 
great naval victory in Manila bay, on May 1, 1S98, is 
taken from the "Chronicle" of May 13, 1898: 

The very first information received in this vicinity rela- 
tive to Commodore Dewey's brilliant action in Manila bay 




J. CUXDIT SMITH, 
Battery A, Missouri Light Arlillerj- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



on Mciy 1, WHS bulletined on the afternoon of that date by 
the " Chronicle." Since that event its frecjnent daily bulle- 
tins have been carefully scanned hour by hour by nicin}" 
hundreds who were impatient for reliable and fuller ac- 
counts concerniuL? the hero of the Philippines. 

On Saturday last, Ma}- T, these electrified an avvaitiny; 
world ; and the "Chronicle" came again to the front, 
within a few minutes after the receipt of special dispatches, 
this time with an extra that spread broadcast the j^lad and 
_ welcome details of the j^'reat naval victory so g'loriously 
won at Manila 

Immediately upon the appearance of the "Chronicle's" 
thrilling message of victor}^ our patriotic Mayor ordered 
the big flag to be floated from the lofty staff on the green, 
and when the "Chronicle's" extra, with unprecedented 
promptness, supplemented the enthusiastic situation the 
papers were bought up from the leather-lunged newsboys 
nearly as rapidly as they could be flashed from the press. 
Within an hour the boys had covered every portion of the 
city, of Madison and of many villages. 

The information received by this office from its special 
correspondents, though necessarily brief, was entirel}' ac- 
curate, and was abundantly verifled from official sources; 
■and laconic as it was, it was j^^et, as many put it, "Quite 
long enough, and just what we want — hurrah for Dewey 
and his gallant tars! " 

The extra gave forth the substance of Commodore 
Dewey's dispatch to President McKinley from Hong Kong, 
where it was received from the dispatch boat " McCulloch " 
of the Commodore's sc^uadron, and confirmed the earliest 
bulletin of his gallant naval combat in the far East. It 
told of the complete American victor}' ; of the great losses 
of Spanish warships and men, and added the thrice wel- 
come announcement that not an American was killed, 
though six had suffered slight injury. The "Chronicle" 
extra also contained an excellent portrait of Commodore 
Dewey and faithful pictures of the ships composing his 
triumphant "Asiatic Squadron," the latter briefly de- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 69 

scribed, and, as a climax, gave thoAvords and music of the 
" Star Spangled Banner " and of " Yankee Doodle." 

The large and rapid sale testified to its timeliness and 
popidarity, and the streets were filled with old and young, 
men and maidens — not to omit the numerous, omnipresent 
and vociferous newsboys — singing the songs so dear to us all. 

Mayor Quayle, with a smile surpassing in broadness 
and blandness that worn by Bret Harte's " Heathen 
Chinee," said: 

" Nothing less than a salute will satisfy us! " 

A representative of the " Chronicle '' was dispatched 
with a bulletin to President Roberts of the Washington 
Association for permission to fire the gun at Headquarters, 
formerly used for salutes. The worthy President was 
finally located in Boonton, and he said he would be happy 
to comply with Mayor Quayle's request, but could not, 
because the cannon had been condemned as unsafe. 

Nothing daunted, the Mayor telephoned for John Den - 
man, a sturdy veteran of Co. A, Fifth Regiment N. J. 
Volunteers, to the effect that he "must hunt up some- 
thing; the salute must be fired — Corporal Williams had 
had the cartridges made, and they wouldn't keep ! " 

Veteran Denman scratched his head, then fell in with 
another enthusiastic "Chronicle" reporter, and the two 
started out on a search for the cannon used by the Phelps 
Artillery, of which the late George L. Hull was the 
honored Captain. After a sort of finetooth-comb canvass 
it was located in the vicinity of Green street, and was, 
after considerable persuasion, mounted and made ready 
for royal service. 

The smile that now brightened the features of Mr. Den- 
man as he trotted his prize up Washington street w^as just 
a"leetle" broader than that which still overspread the 
liappy face of the Mayor. 

The regulation admiral's salute of fifteen guns was dul}' 
fired from Fort Nonsense. The line of march up the 
mountain was led by George L. Clarke, fifer, and Fred 
Schraudenbach and Wood. Vance, drummers. The 



70 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



salutes, echoing from hill to hill, were fired by Willifims, 
assisted b}' Isaac Smith. Both musicians and gunners 
were constantly cheered on b}' a large assemblage of 
Young Americci, and by some e(jually interested but not 
so youns:. 





C. FRED STOPFOKD, 
Conmanv D, 201st N. Y. Volunlter Infantry. 



CHAPTER VII. 

"take that for the Maine!" — captain charles sigs- 

bee as he fired a shot from the " st. paul " 

through the spanish torpedo boat 

"terror" off SAN JUAN, 
PORTO RICO. 



IMPORTANT MORRLSTOWN EVENTS. 

Patriotic Young Men Organize a Military Compinv — Local 
Branch of the *' Naval Aid Society " Organized — Local 
Branch of the "Red Cross Society" Organized. 



MILITARY COMPANY, 

THE chief object as generally understood, of the war 
meetings held in the G. A. R. rooms,. Washington 
street, on the evenings of April 23 and 25, 1898, was the 
organization, in Morristown, of a military company; but 
the attempt having failed, a few patriotic j'oung men still 
desirous of "taking a hand"' in the existing conflict with 
Spain, subsequently induced C. Allen Baker, a resident of 
this cit3', who, for several years had been identified with 
the Fifteenth Separate Company of the New York State 
National Guard, latterly as sergeant, to consent to put 
them thrtjugh a course of military drill ; and hence, early 
in the month of Maj' they began to meet for that purpose 
in the McAlpin hall on Speedwell avenue, which had pre- 
viously been offered free of charge. It was also hoped by 
some at least of these 3'oung men that the movement might 
result in the formation of a permanent military organiza- 
tion in Morristown which should eventually become at- 



72 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

tached to the State National Guard. The first drill was 
held on Monday evening, May 6, and among those who 
met for drill under Mr. Baker were: William S. Applin, 
George L. Berry, Edward J. Bradley, Charles W. Bodine, 
Clarence W. By ram, J. Fred. Colley, Albert M. Carrell, 
Fred. B. Cobbett, Herbert Evans, Thomas S. Head, Ed- 
ward Hannas, James Heath, James H. King, Joseph K. 
Kronetiberg, Raoul A. Lavalle, Charles E. Letcher, Harry 
P. Lindabury, William Lounsbury, Henrj^ J. Mott, 
William Merrell, William Swick, George J. Sturgis, 
Allyn H. Thompson, Albert H. Totten, Robert Trow- 
bridge, David C. VanGilder, LeClerc Vogt, J. Edward 
VanDyke, Rufus G. Whitehead, Fred. C. Willett, and 
David F. Williamson. 

MINUTES OF MEETING FOR ORGANIZATION. 

" On Friday evening. May 13, 1898, a meeting was held 
in the office of C. Allen Baker, McAlpin block, for the 
purpose of forming a military organization in Morristown. 
Frederick B. Cobbett was appointed temporary chairman, 
and A. M. Carrell secretary of the meeting. It was duly 
moved and seconded that all those who desired joining such 
an organization should sign suitable articles, and pledge 
themselves to attend all drills and meetings of the company 
in the future, and that a committee of five be appointed by 
the chairman (Mr. Cobbett) to draw up such articles or 
by-laws to form such an organization, and by which all 
members pledge themselves to be governed hereafter. The 
motion being put before the meeting, was carried unani- 
mously. It was further moved and seconded that the 
committee of five secure the names of those who desired to 
join, and that in the future all new recruits be elected to 
the company by a majority vote; which was also put 
before the meeting and carried. There being no further 
business, on motion the meeting adjourned. 

A. M. Carrell, Secretary, 

Later in the evening the following committee of five 
was appointed by the chairman: C. Allen Baker, C. W, 



74 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Byram, D. F. Williamson, H. P. Lindabiiry, A. M. 
Carrell." 

The young men already named met twice each week in 
the McA.lpin hall for drill; but the prospects of a military 
organization from Morristown being received into an}' ex- 
isting New Jersey i-egiments being far from flattering, 
several of them enlisted in companies already identified 
with the State National Guard whose ranks were incom- 
plete, and, in the latter part of May, the drills were dis- 
continued. 

II. 

" What I can't git thru my noddle," said a regular lounger in 
a country store, "is how none o' th' Spanish cannon balls 
didn't go right thru our boats at Manilar jest the same 
as our balls went thru their'n." 

NAVAL AID SOCIETY. 

On Wednesday morning, May 18, 1898, a meeting was 
held at the Y. M. C. A. rooms in Morristown to hear the 
plans of the ladies who had previously formed the local 
branch of the Naval Hospital Aid Society. About one 
hundred ladies were present. Mrs. Albert Erdraan called 
the meeting to order, and in a short and very graceful 
speech presented the cause for which the meeting was 
called, adding that the names of those engaged should 
assure the success of the enterprise. Mrs. Erdman then 
presented the following list of officers previously chosen : 
Chairman, Mrs. Julius Catlin; Treasurer, Mrs. William 
Roscoe Lyon; Secretary, Mrs. Gustav E. Kissel; Execu- 
tive Committee— Mrs. R. A. McCurdy, Mrs. H. McK. 
Twombly, Mrs. Marmaduke Tilden, Mrs. T. C. Bushnell, 
Mrs. W. M. Hughes, Mrs. James Lourie Bell, Mrs. Ben- 
jamin Nichol, Mrs. Archibald D. Russell, Miss Frances 
Sherman, Mrs. A. R. Whitney, Mrs. E. V. Thebaud. 

Mrs. Catlin then took the chair and told the reason for 
the thought of forming the organization. "Most of us," 
she said, " should feel the tingle of the old war da3^s,when 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 75 



we worked hard, too hard, in making knotty stockings, 
useless liavelocks, etc. To-day, with the dreadful voice of 
the ' Maine ' in our ears, we feel that we, the women, must 
take up the work and help our boys. I have just returned 
from the South — not a solid, but a reunited South now — 
united in love for country, with secession entirely forgotten. 
At Richmond the cry was : ' Our countr.y, right or wrong ! ' 
In a personal interview witii the Surgeon- General of the 
JSTavy, Dr. W. K, VanRuypen, we were assured that hos- 
pital clothing and delicacies were needed at once and would 
be most gratefully received. He put us in communication 
with Dr. Delavan Bloodgood in charge of the Naval Hos- 
pital, Brooklyn, wuo gave us a hst of articles needed. 
Mrs. Cathn then read a hst of articles needed." They are: 
Night shirts, pajamas, socks, cheap shppers (6-10), flannel 
jackets, pads, pencils, paper, envelopes, fruit (fresh, pre- 
served or jelly), meat extracts, small papers smoking 
tobacco. To this the Surgeon-General has added games, 
pipes and cards, magazines and novels. 

Mrs. Catlin saw Vice President Hobart, Congressmen 
Pitney and Parker, all of whom heartily endorsed her 
plans. "While not at present affiliated with the 'Red 
Cross,'" said Mrs. Cathn, "we expect to work heartily 
together." Mrs. Catlin's remarks were listened to with 
great interest. She was followed by Mrs. A. R. Whitney, 
who spoke of the fact that many women refused to attend 
this meeting because they were not in sympathy with this 
war. " I voice the feehngs of the Executive Committee," 
she said, "and say that we all regret the necessity of the 
war ; but now it is with us, we, as women, should show 
our patriotism by doing all we can to help the cause of our 
country." (Applause.) A Hst of donations was read as 
follows : Twenty-four uniforms, thirty dozen pairs of half 
hose and 2,500 yards of white muslin, Catlin & Co. ; one 
package stationery, two cases jelly, 1,000 pads, 1,000 pen- 
cils and 2,000 envelopes, Mrs. Richard A. McCurdy; 500 
palm leaf fans, Mrs. Robert H. McCurdy; 100 comfort 
bags, Mrs. Hoffman. 





^ ir, 






SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 77 



Mrs. Catlin gave an interesting description of the first 
ambulance ship, the " Solace," and among other things 
related Surgeon General VanRuypen's desire that all 
articles coming from individuals for " poor Jack " should 
be carefully and plainly marked, that the sailors would 
know the " women at home " were thinking of them. Mrs. 
Catlin explained that the uniforms were the first things 
asked for. In our navy lists we have no provision for 
nurses, so the men on the " Solace," graduates of Bellevue 
Hospital, had enlisted in other positions, and each needed 
extra uniforms. These were the first articles sent out by 
the Naval Hospital Aid. All present were asked to con- 
sider themselves members of the organization, and after 
the meeting was adjourned a great many offers were made 
by workers, of delicacies, of books and of money. As 
ever, Morristown women — God bless them — stand ready to 
do their share of work for the soldiers and sailors, and 
they will meet with the same success in this good work 
that has attended the work in the old, old days. Through 
the generosity of Dr. Asa Trimmer, the Naval Aid Society 
occupied as their headquarters the store at No. 20 South 
Street, in the Trimmer building. — "Chronicle," May 
20, 1898. 

IIL 

" If you send us any canned meats please do not send any. 
roast beef, for they have fed us on that until I am sick of 
the sight of it." — A soldier writing home from the vicinity 
of Santiago. 

RED CROSS SOCIETY. 

A general meeting for women interested in red cross 
work was held in the G. A. R. rooms yesterday afternoon. 
About one hundred and seventy-five were present. Dr. 
Pierson called the meeting to order and made a very happy 
speech. He said patriotism had been suggested to him as 
a theme, but he felt that he could not teach patriotism to 
women when loyalty is the very essence of womanhood. 
He said he believed that war times were not necessarily 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 79 

bad times, nor prosperity always best for a man or nation. 
War has its part in making men and nations. 

We must develop by tests and trials. The best three 
years he had were those from 18G2 to 1865 inclusive. 
Scholastic training is very useful but there is something in 
standing up for a right cause that makes a man. He re- 
called several scenes in the civil war showing the necessity 
for work of the nature undertaken. The boys then, when 
there was no Red Cross, were grateful for any home com- 
forts, and he was glad so many were interested in the work 
undertaken for the soldiers at this time. He introduced 
Mrs. Lesser, sister-in-chief of the Red Cross Hospital. 

She proved a very interesting speaker and sketched the 
origin and progress of the Red Cross to the present day. 
Much information was gained from questions of ladies in 
the audience answered by Mrs. Lesser. 

From her replies the following information was 
gathered. The Red Cross has nothing to do with any 
religious order, but all religions are respected. The em- 
blem is simply the reverse of the Swiss flag. Sixty-two 
nations have signed the Red Cross treaty. The emblem is 
generally worn on the left arm, or as a flag is found at 
every tent. The emblem and those it guards must be un- 
molested or there is liable to be an argument or fight with 
the other sixty-one nations. Spain has already shown re- 
spect for the flag by guarding an orphan asylum and hos- 
pital started by the society. All other organizations are 
not recognized by contending armies, consequently all boxes 
not marked with the cross, sent for the relief of suffering 
Cubans, were taken for the Spaniards. 

The society must collect money, provisions and food to 
be ready for duty at any time of need. Each army has 
its surgeons and ambulance corps, but after a battle they 
go with the army. The Red Cross then steps in, collects 
the wounded in its own ambulances, opens the big tent 
over the sufferers, and supplies food, clothing and all 
things needful until they can be transported to a more per- 
manent place. 



80 MORRrSTOWN IN THE 

No difference is made between Americans and Span- 
iards, but patriotic women can be assured that our soldiers 
injured on Spanish soil will receive equal attention with 
the Spaniards. The Spanish are as well equipped in this 
line as we are, but have never recognized that a battle has 
taken place in Cuba, but the Red Cross has been there at 
the request of our Government to carry on the work of 
Cuban relief. Wounded soldiers transjDorted to Spain 
many of them have been cared for b}^ the societ}^ in that 
country. The Spanish government helped Miss Barton in 
every way, while she was in Cuba. Captain- General 
Blanco is a member of the society and met Miss Barton on 
a Red Cross footing. Wounded American soldiers under 
the care of the Spanish Red Cross will not be considered 
as prisoners, but neutral and be sent home when well. 

Mrs. Lesser was asked to speak of her own experiences 
in Cuba, but replied that Red Cross workers never spoke 
of the shortcomings of other nations. However she told 
of the establishment of the orphan asylum. She said that 
when the country people were obliged to give up their 
homes and go into the neighboring cities, these cities were 
filled to overflowing with the reconcentradoes who begged 
as long as they could get anything. Then they lay in the 
streets starving and sick. Stables and other buildings 
were occupied for shelter, but still the streets were full of 
men, women and children. Miss Barton saw the condition 
of the children and secured a suitable house for their 
refuge. This was cleaned after hard work, for the Cuban 
women were all sick, and the men wanted high wages. 
They went out in the streets and in one day fifty children 
from one day to eight years of age were picked up and 
taken to the grounds. Then thej^ were bathed and put to 
bed much to their surprise, after their previous experiences. 
The compensation from their looks was so great that Mrs. 
Lesser said she would gladly go back. 

Red Cross nurses are selected from the training schools 
of the country. Graduate nurses are generally required, 
but a list of young ladies of robust health and good sense 



82 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

has been made up, there being many positions as book- 
keepers, housekeepers, etc., to be filled by competent per- 
sons. The nurses are required to do all kinds of work. 
Men are also employed as graduate nurses or assistants. 

The society prepares for duty as soon as need is appar- 
ent, and when ready usually notifies the government of 
fact. The facts are the same as regards the navy. The 
nurses do not go aboard war vessels, but stand ready to 
care for the wounded as soon as landed. 

It has been suggested that ambulance ships be run be- 
tween Cuba and the United States, because the climate of 
Cuba is so dangerous for at least three months in the year. 
This service would require three or four ships, but as yet 
has not been decided ®n. The money contributed by 
auxiliaries is absolutely the property of the auxiliary until 
spent, and if not needed is returned for the auxiliarj^ to 
dispose of as may be thought best. 

The Morristown Auxiliary has been organized and four 
committees appointed. The oflficers of the Morristown 
Auxiliarj^ Committee of the American National Red Cross 
Relief Committee previously chosen are: Chairman, Miss 
Louise E. Keasbey; Secretary, Miss Ahce D. Field; Treas- 
urer, Miss Sarah F. Randolph. 

All interested in the movement are requested to join. 
The members are now trying to raise money for the gen- 
eral fund and to make 100 night shirts and a number of 
pajamas before June 15. The shirts will be cut out and 
ready for stitching on Saturday and volunteers are re- 
quested to make them. The rooms, 20 South Street, will 
be open from 10 to 12 a. m., and 4 to 6 p. m., to distribute 
the goods for that purpose. 

Boxes will soon be placed for money contributions. 
The headquarters of the Morristown Auxiliary Committee 
of the Red Cross were in Room No. 2, McAlpin Block, 
Speedwell Avenue. — ■" Jerseyman," May 20, 1898. 

The magnificent work accomplished by the Morristown 
branches of the " Naval Aid " and " Red Cross" societies 
on behalf of the American soldiers and sailors engaged in 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



83 



the Spanish -American War will ever live in their memory ; 
and the noble women of this town, who participated in 
this work, will be accorded a place in our local histor}'- of 
which future generations will be justly proud. 




CAMP McCAI^r^A, GUANTANAMO, CUBA, 
Inside the Intrenchments. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

'don't hamper me with INSTRUCTIONS; I AM NOT AFRAID 

OF THE ENTIRE SPANISH FLEET WITH MY SHIP." — 

CAPTAIN CHARLES E. CLARK ON THE 

"OREGON" TO THE BOARD OF 

STRATEGY. 



A BEILLIANT RECORD. 

The Santiago Campaign — Morristown Celebrates the Capitula- 
tion of Santiago — Patriotic Meetings Under the Auspices 
of the Local Y. M. C. A. — Hobson Visits Morristown — 
Convalescent American Soldiers in Town — Lincoln Guard's 
Reception to Returned Veterans — Humane Engine Com- 
pany's Banquet to Returned Soldier-Firemen. 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN. 

THE original plan of military operations contemplated 
by the War Department at the opening of the Span- 
ish-American War, included the dispatch of an army to 
Cuba in the early autumn of 1898, to co-operate with the 
nav}^ in besieging Havana ; but the unexpected appearance 
of Cervera's Spanish squadron in Santiago harbor, and the 
desirability of capturing or destroying it, suddenly shifted 
the theatre of war to that point, where the main strength 
of our navy was promptly concentrated. It was soon 
ascertained that for our fleet to enter Santiago harbor was 
practically impossible; and it was, therefore, concluded 
that an army be sent to co-operate with the naval forces, 
that, capturing and occupying with siege guns the heights 
overlooking the inner harbor, a fire could be concentrated 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



85 



upon the Spanish stpiadron that would either destroy it, or 
drive it out of tiie harbor into the open jaws of our com- 
bined fleet; or, that after we had cut the wires connecting 
the Spanish submarine mines with the shore, our fleet 
could enter the harbor, and, falling upon the " bottled-up " 
squadron annihilate it on its own dunghill. 

Admiral Sampson's splendid fleet faithfully guarded 
day and night, the entrance to Santiago harbor, while an 
army consisting mostl}^ of regulars was being mobilized at 
Tampa, Florida, for the invasion of Eastern Cuba. On 
June 14, the military expedition numbering sixteen thous- 
and men, under 
the command of 
Major General 
W. R. Shaffer, 
started under 
naval escort, and 
on June 20 it 
reached Samp- 
son's fleet oft" 
Santiago harbor 
and took posi- 
tion under the 
protection of his 
guns. 

After consul- 
tation with Cu- 
ban officers 
Sh after c o n - 
eluded to make a landing at different points east of San- 
tiago; and for a distance of 20 miles east and west of the 
harbor entrance Sampson's ships shelled the shores, dis- 
lodging the Spaniards from their defences, and, with the 
assistance of the Cuban insurgents driving them back upon 
the hills that skirt the south-east coast of Cuba; thus ren- 
dering it uncertain to the Spaniards where our troops were 
to effect a landing. Our forces were landed at Baiquiri 
and Siboney. At the latter place our forces were aug- 




MORRO CASTLE, 
At Entrance to Santiago Harbor, Cuba. 



86 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



mented by the addition of three thousand Cuban insur- 
gents, making in all five thousand with Shafter's army. 
Before our troops were all ashore a portion of them under 
Major-General Wheeler, had, on the morning of June 23, 
advanced without opj^osition to Juragua nine miles from 
Santiago, and occupied it as a base of operations; and, on 
the morning of June 24, General Young and Colonel Wood, 
with the "Rough Riders" and portions of the First, and 
Tenth (colored) regulars, all dismounted cavalry, were 
ordered to occupy Sevilla,four miles nearer Santiago. La 
Guasimas, on the road to Sevilla was occupied by the 
Spaniards, and our forces advanced in two columns to dis- 
1 od ge them. 
General Young 
with his regulars 
took a road to 
the right, lead- 
ing along the 
base of th,e hills, 
and Colonel 
Wood with his 
'-'Rough Riders" 
took a narrow 
trail half a mile 
to the left lead- 
ing over the 
hills; road and "reina mercedes," 

trail COnvergino" Snuk at Entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba. 

at La Guasimas, to a point. When a few miles 
out from Juragua our forces were attacked by the Span- 
iards. General Young with the aid of three Hotchkiss 
guns soon drove the enemy from the thicket in front and 
they retreated to a block house for protection. 

Colonel Wood having been obliged,owing to the narrow- 
ness of the trail over which his route lay, to leave his 
Hotchkiss guns behind, was less successful in dislodging 
the enemy, who, besides being secreted in the dense 
thicket peculiar to Eastern Cuba, used smokeless powder, 




SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



87 



' W 



makinc? it difficult to locate them ; while our forces, using 
the black powder, were fatally conspicuous. At the right 
of Colonel Wood's forces was an open space, and into this 
the "Rough Riders" were deployed; a detachment under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt being thrown out into a 
thicket on the left. The sharp fighting that ensued re- 
sulted in the retreat of the Spaniards to a block house, 
against which Colonel Wood and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Roosevelt led a charge, the Spaniards breaking and run- 
ning before our 
forces reached 
their place of de- 
fense; the Span- 
ish soldiers after- 
ward remarking 
Ibat the Ameri- 
cans "tried to 
( atcli us with 
their hands." 
Among the kill- 
ed in these skir- 
niishes was Cap- 
tain Allyn Cap- 
r o n, of the 
"Rough Riders,' 
who, as some of 
his c o rn r a d es 
gathered about 
him after he fell, remarked: "Don't mind me, boys, 
go on fighting." Sergeant Hamilton Fish, jr., also of the 
" Rough Riders," was among the slain ;. and the New York 
Journal's brilliant representative, Edw^ard Marshall, re- 
ceived a wound which paralyzed for a time a portion of 
his body. 

General Linares, the commander of the Spanish army 
soon withdrew his forces from the outlying positions, and 
occupied a line reaching from the village of El Caney 
on the north-east of Santiago, to Aguadores and Morro 



ON GUARD AT HEADQUARTERS. 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



Castle on the south. Then commenced the steady advance 
of the American line toward the beleagured city. On Jul}' 
24 Generals Wheeler and Lawton occupied Sevilla with 
eight thousand men. During the next five days twelve 
thousand men were brought up and advantageously posted 
by General Shaffer, whose headquarters during almost the 
entire campaign about Santiago, were about three miles to 
the rear of the firing-line. Reinforcements arrived, swel- 
ling the American forces to eighteen thousand men. It 
seems to have been the original plan to reduce Santiago by 
siege; but as the heavy siege guns, owing to the loss of 
lighters, were 




still on the trans- 
ports; and a re- 
p o r t reaching 
Shaffer that 
Spanish r e i n - 
forcements were 
on their way to 
Santiago, it was 
deemed best to 
carry thecitj'by 
assault, and a 
general advance 
of the Ameri- 
can lines was, 
therefore, ordered. On the night of June 30, the Ameri- 
can line of battle extended a distance of five miles, with 
General Lawton, with regulars mostly, on the right. In 
front of him was the suburb of El Caney, two miles from 
Santiago. North and West of El Caney were four thou- 
sand Cuban insurgents under General Garcia. General 
Wheeler held the center, facing San Juan. Generals Kent 
and Duffield, with regulars and volunteers occupied the 
left of the hue, facing Aguadores. On June 31, Duffield 
made a demonstration against Aguadores, in which he was 
assisted bj^ a portion of Sampson's fleet. 

On the early morning of Jul}^ 1, Capron's Battery 



LEAF-COVERED TENT. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



89 



opened fire on the Spanish position at El Canej', to which 
the enemy soon responded, and a general artillery engay^e- 
nient ensued, during which the American troops advanced. 
(Crime's Batter}-, with an infantry support was sent for- 
ward to El Poso, a village two miles East of Santiago, and 
situated on a commanding height. On the hill between 
El Poso and San Juan was a Spanish blockhouse; and 
wjiile Grime's Battery was shelling the hill below the 
blockhouse to clear it from the enemy, the dismounted 
cavalry were ordered forward under cover of the thick 
brusb, to an attack on the blockhouse. For half an hour 
an incessant fire was kept up by the Spanish battery, and 

then as it slack- 
ened, and finally 
ceased, a body of 
regulars, moved 
as swiftly for- 
ward as the na- 
t u r e of the 
ground would 
permit This for- 
ward movement 
brought a brisk 
fire from t h e 
Spanish infan- 
try before which 
VALLEY BEFORE SAN JUAN HILL, cuHA. dsspite the pro- 

tection of the underbrush, our men began to fall. In 
advancing across the open space in front of them, our men 
were soon exposed to the fire of the concealed Spaniards,; 
and the superiority of the Mauser rifle and smokeless pow- 
der were again impressively exhibited. The Spaniards 
fired by volley, while our men fired for the most part at 
will. It was while moving up a slope toward this block- 
house that Lieutenant -Colonel Roosevelt's horse was shot 
from under him ; but aUghting on his feet like the agile 
cat, he continued to lead the charge on foot. As our troops 
advanced the Spaniards fired and fell back; and when our 




00 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



troops reached the summit of the hill, the enemy beat a 
hasty retreat, thus throwing away a splendid opportunity 
for a successful resistance to our advance on Santiago. 
At El Caney, on the right, was a small stone fort, with 
rifle pits and trenches, situated on a conical hill, and hav- 
ing only infantry for its defense. From a distance of a 
mile and a half Capron's Battery soon rendered this fort 
untenable. From the rifle-pits and trenches, however, the 
Spaniards poured a hot fire into the ranks of the American 
troops ; while from ev^ery available cover they returned the 
fire as often as a Spaniard's head appeared. 

General Lawton extending his line further to the 
right in order to 
flank their posi- 
tion ; a portion 
of the Spanish 
troops, in order 
to avoid destruc- 
tion, hastily re- 
treated. General 
Chaffee's men 
being furiously 
attacked were 
compelled to lie 
down for protec- 
tion, for whether 
the fire came 




MUZZLE-LOADING SPANISH CANNON, 
Found in Spanish Trenches. 



from the earthworks on the northeast of El Caney, or not, 
could not for the time, owing to the use of smokeless pow- 
der by the Spaniards, be determined. The losses at this 
point were heavy, several of our officers being struck while 
standing and encouraging their troops. 

A charge on the stone fort at Lawton's right by his 
men, including a portion of the colored troops, resulted in 
its capture ; and a part of the attacking force were pushed 
beyond the town, driving the Spaniards before them. A 
blockhouse on the left remaining in the enemy's possession, 
a company under Captain Clarke of Chaffee's command, 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 



91 



moved in the face of a hot fire upon it, and the occupants 
tied; most of the Spaniards at tliis point, not captured, re- 
treating toward Santiago. The village of El Caney was 
still occupied bv the enem}'. Lawton sent a portion of his 
troops beyond the village to cut it off from Santiago; while 
another portion of his command was sent to the left toward 
the San Juan hill. A mile awa}- was a Spanish block- 
liouse surrounded by trenches, and against this a body of 
regulars was sent ; and under the artillery and rifle fire of 
the enemy they were in such evident danger of annihila- 
tion, that a regiment of volunteer infantry was sent for- 
ward as a sup- 
port. Another 
body of regulars 
were now order- 
ed to advance, 
and al t h o u g h 
the V o 1 u n teer 
regiment had 
lost over seventy 
men in this 
movement b e - 
fore they reach- 
ed the center of 
the open space in 

front O f - t h e company M, 7i.st N. Y. on San Juan HilL 

block-house, our forces pushed on, without wavering; and, 
reaching the top of the hill where the}' could see the enemy 
behind his breastworks, our forces drove thein therefrom 
by a brilliant bayonet charge. It is said that in this charge, 
and the hand-to-hand fight involved, some of our men 
were killed by machetes. The blockhouse was captured, 
but being exposed to the Spanish fire from several direc- 
tions, was abandoned for the time, but re occupied later. 
From one line of intrenchments to another, until three 
o'clock in the afternoon the Spaniards were driven, stub- 
bornly contesting every foot of ground ; and at five o'clock 
Lawton's forces had fought their wa^- through El Caue3-. 




92 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



With the capture of San Juan our forces would be face 
to face with the main defences of Santiago ; and General 
Hawkind was, therefore, ordered to lead an assault upon 
San Juan hill. His force comprised two regiments of regu- 
lar cavalry, and two of regular infantry, which he was to 
lead in person ; and three regiments of regular infantry, and 
the "Rough Riders," which were to be led by Colonel Wood. 
The most important, and the strongest of the outer de- 
fences of Santiago, and the best served with artillery was 
the San Juan hill. The original plan with reference to the 
assault on San Juan hill was for our scattered forces to 
unite on the evening before the attack, and on the follow- 
ing morning 
move on the 
enemy; but be- 
fore this union 
of forces could 
be effected a por- 
tion of our men 
were unexpect- 
edly attacked by 
the Spaniards; 
and, as our men 
could not with- 
draw from the 
destructive fire 

GUARDING COMRADES' GRAVES. of tllC CUem}', 

owing to the trail leading to the rear being blocked with 
other of our disorganized troops; and as of course, they 
could not stand and be butchered by the furious fire of 
the concealed Spaniards, they resolved to advance on the 
enemy, and, without orders from commanding Generals, 
unaware of the situation, the troops moved forward on 
their own responsibility, thus making the charge on San 
Juan hill what it has rightfully been termed, " a grand 
popular movement." An American Brigadier who served 
in the Santiago campaign has said : " San Juan was won 
by regimental officers and men. We had as little to do as 




SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 93 



the referee at a prize fight who calls time. We called 
time aud they did the fighting." 

Oar men advanced steadily up the steep and particu- 
larly difficult hill, with the regimental officers leading 
them. They literally scrambled up, — now rushing, now 
lying down, now firing and now rushing again, as their 
ranks were thinned by the hot fire of the Spaniards from 
the summit of the hill. Conspicuous in this famous charge 
were General Hawkins, with his snow-white hair and 
beard ; and Colonel Roosevelt, who, as men fell all about 
him, still pressed forwaid undaunted; and when at last the 
summit of the hill was reached, our forces rushed over the 
Spanish earthworks and, amid the wild cheering of our 
men, drove the stubborn enemy from them ; but the losses 
on both sides were heavy. Among the slain was Captain 
"Buckey" O'Neill, of the "Rough Riders," who but a 
moment before he was shot had remarked to a comrade 
that "There is no Spanish bullet made that can kill me." 
One of the volunteer regiments was ordered to thesupport 
of General Hawkins, to assist him in holding the dearly 
purchased hill of San Juan, and the defences were strength- 
ened against counter-attack. On the left Generals Kent 
and Duffield, asisted by the fleet had a serious engagement 
with the Spaniards, but without material advantage; the 
burning of the railroad bridge over the San Juan river, by 
the enemy, balking our forces in their movements. On 
Friday evening the American line was well advanced and 
the troops hghtly intrenched. On the right Lawton was 
within a mile of the Santiago earthworks. Wheeler's forces 
in the center were within rifleshot of the Santiago barracks; 
and the left still faced Aguadores. 

During Friday night our line was re-inforced by fresh 
troops, and our wounded were carried back to the field 
hospitals. 

The Spaniards kept up a desultory fire upon the Ameri- 
can line all night. On Saturday morning, July 2, the 
Spaniards made a desperate attempt to re- capture the San 
Juan hill, but with the aid of a few Hotchkiss guns, and 



94 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

our efficient rifle fire they were forced to retreat in dis- 
order ; and a second assault by the enemy upon the same 
position resulted in their being driven still further back. 

When General Shatter ascertained the severe losses of 
his armj^ during the operations about Santiago, he counter- 
manded the orders already issued for an assault upon the 
city, and telegraphed to Washington his inability to carry 
Santiago by storm. 

The ground already won was, however, held • and two 
thousand prisoners were in our hands. 

Several facts had been demonstrated by the military 
operations before Santiago: First, that the American 
troops, regulars and volunteers, white and black, had ex- 
hibited a dash aad a steadiness which commanded the ad- 
miration of Americans and foreigners alike; so that the 
confidence of the government in our soldiers had not been 
misplaced. Second, The Spaniards had exhibited splendid 
fighting qualities, and under good officers would prove a 
foe difficult to conquer. Third, The Cubans were excel- 
lent scouts and good fighters but were unsusceptible to 
discipline. General Linares having been severely wound- 
ed the command of the Spanish forces in Eastern Cuba 
devolved upon General Jose Toral. 

General Shaffer now occupied points about Santiago 
and its harbor from which with his siege guns he could bom- 
bard city and Spanish squadron. Should our forces assault 
Santiago it was doubtful whether General Toral with his 
decimated forces could successfully resist it. Admiral 
Cervera was fully informed of the situation; hence his 
resolution, forced by the urgency of General Blanco, and 
peremptory orders from Madrid, to make an attempt to es- 
cape with his squadron, and reach Havana. On Sunday 
morning, July 3, this attempt was made; with the result 
of the annihilation of his squadron, and the capture of 1,- 
500 Spanish prisoners. 

After the series of disasters that had befallen Spain on 
sea and land, she began to think of peace ; but in the face of 
threatened revolution at home she lacked the courage to 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 95 

make the first move in the matter. The terms on which 
the United States would make peace being unofficially an- 
nounced, Spain declared her unwillingness to accept them. 

After some dissensions in the Spanish cabinet, followed 
by Sagasta's resignation, the administration was tempor- 
aril}' placed in his hands. 

A demand for the surrender of Santiago being made by 
General Shafter, General Toral agreed, after several day's 
discussion of terms, to give up the city if his men were 
allowed to retain their side arms; but General Shafter in- 
sisted upon unconditional surrender; and proposals between 
Washington and Madrid were exchanged. Meanwhile our 
lines were strengthened, field guns were brought up, and 
reinforcements were added to our armj", increasing it to 
twenty-five thousand men. Our lines were extended so as 
to completely encircle Santiago and the Spanish army, and 
prevent its escape. 

On July 7 the mayor and other civil authorities of the 
city came into our lines and surrendered themselves. A 
personal interview between General Toral and Generals 
Miles, Shafter and Wheeler, on the morning of July 17, 
resulted in the unconditional surrender of the Spanish 
forces in eastern Cuba numbering about twenty-five thous- 
and men. At noon on the day of surrender the American 
flag was raised over the government house in Santiago; 
the troops being drawn up in line in front, while others 
were guarding the streets leading to the Plaza. The 
American troops in the trenches about the city broke into 
deafening cheers that were distinctly heard in Santiago as 
the Stars and Stripes were swung to the breeze. And all 
this be it remembered had been accomplished in the brief 
period of twenty-five da3's, in an unknown country, in a 
tropical climate, and under conditions which would have 
disheartened a less patriotic and intrepid body of men. If 
Dewe^^'s naval victory in Manila bay had gloriously sus- 
tained the reputation of American sailors as being invinci- 
ble on the sea, the Santiago campaign and its rapid 
and brilliant achievements gave another proof of "the 



96 



MORRISTOWN IN THE 



stuff " of which American soldiers, born and bred in the 
atmosphere of Freedom, are made, and filled an observing 
world with amazement. 




Taking the body of an American Soldier from Hospital 
Ship " Reliel " to shore for burial. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 



II. 

"If you will let me, I will load tlio way." — Colonol Roosevelt 
at San Juan, when General Wheeler hesitated about order- 
ing a Charge on the Enemy's Defences. 

MORRISTOWN CELEBRATES THE CAPITULATION OF 
SANTIAGO. 

When the news of the surrender of Santiago was re- 
ceived 3'esterda3' afternoon the large flag was raised on 
the hberty pole. The freight house bell was also rung by 
George H. Dalrymple in celebration of the event. At five 
o'clock Reeve & Burr held on to their whistle valve longer 
than usual in celebration of the event. Edward J. Bowen 
had interceded with Chief Fox to allow the electric whis- 
tle to be blown. After the fire companies had been noti- 
fied of what was about to occur, the whistle commenced 
to emit its usual shrieks. The enthusiasm spread rapidly. 
Justice Clift commenced to ring the Methodist Church bell 
and it wasn't ten minutes before all the church bells, court 
house bell and freight house bell were ringing. After a half 
hour of bell ringing, the whistles began again. The whis- 
tle was tied down on Reeve & Burr's mill and the electric 
light whistle kept right at it. To add to this noise were 
the whistles of four locomotives blown together, bells, 
guns, firecrackers and everything to be found. Fourth of 
July, compared with 3'esterday, was almost an ordinary 
day. 

After supper the Lincoln Guards marched down Speed- 
well avenue and around the Park with their cannon, ac- 
companied by a drum corps. Then they proceeded to 
Fort Nonsense where a salute of thirteen guns were fired. 
Mitchell's Band appeared on the streets, playing " There'll 
be a Hot Time," and patriotic airs. Hardly had they dis- 
appeared down one of the main streets after a circuit of 
the Park, before the old Torbert Post Flute and Drum 
Band started from Washington street and also paraded 
around. 

After the salute the boys collected all the boxes in the 



OS MORRISTOWN IN THE 

vicinity of the Park and had an immense fire in front of 
the Post Office. 

The festivities were kept up until nearly midnight, 
with music, parades, firecrackers and red fire. 

A feature of the occasion was Wm. Becker, Jr's., baud 
of six pieces, all tenor and bass instruments, and he the 
only man who could play a tune. An immense imita- 
tion firecracker also helped to enliven affairs. 

Although nevrs of the surrender of Santiago was re- 
ceived early in the afternoon, not until the bulletin was 
posted on " The Jersey man " board were the people sure 
of that fact, and very soon after the celebration com- 
menced. 

Whippany also contributed to the general rejoicing by 
the blowing of whistles, etc. — Jerseyman, July 15, 1898. 

When the exceedingl}^ good news of the surrender of 
Santiago by General Toral on July 14 — which was effect- 
ed by General Shaffer and includes the eastern portion of 
Cuba and Toral's armj'' numbering over 20,(X)0 — reached 
Morristown, our citizens at once proceeded to celebrate, 
and kept it up until nearly midnight. "Whistles were 
blown, bells rung, bands played, bonfires were kindled, 
and the display of fieworks exceeded any Fourth of July 
celebration. The surrender is a long step toward the end- 
ing of the war, it is thought and hoped.- — Evening Express, 
July 10, 1898. 

On Thursday afternoon, July 11, 1898, when news of 
the surrender of Santiago reached town a large flag was 
run up on the liberty pole in the Park and the freight 
house bell rang out the first peal of victory. About five 
o'clock all the steam whistles of the town, including the 
locomotives at the depot, joined in the celebration and kept 
up a jolly roar, while everj^ big bell in the place rang out 
their merry peals for an hour or more. The blowing of the 
tire whistle soon filled the streets with people anxious to 
know where the fire was. They soon realized their mis- 
take and considered it a big joke, and all joined heartily 
and joyously in the demonstration. In the^vening the 



7", M 





L. of C. 



100 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

festivities put the Fourth in the shade. About eighty of the 
Lincoln Guards marched down Speedwell avenue and up 
to Fort Fort Nonsense, accompanied by the drum corps. 
There they fired a thirteen gun salute. Next came Mitch- 
ell's Band playing "There'll Be a Hot Time," and they 
had just disappeared down South street when the old Tor- 
bert Post Flute and Drum Corps started from Washing- 
ton street. The air was full of patriotic music by this 
time. The boys soon had a big bonfire raging in front of 
the Post Office. The streets were full of exploding giant 
firecrackers and the air full of rockets. The feature of the 
evening was William Becker, Jr's, band of Fantasticals, 
composed of six instruments. Becker was the only man 
who could play at all and he would occasionally play a 
tune. The others joined in with all kinds of freak noises. 
The celebration was kept up till midnight and the 
townspeople can honestly say that they celebrated the vic- 
tory in a glorious manner. The men who formed the 
Drum and Fife Corps were : George L. Clarke, Sidney 
Collins, Nicholas Arrowsmith, Frank M. Headley, Carl 
Kersting, Henry D. Schenck, George W. Green, Joseph 
Pierson, Fred. Schraudenbach and ex- Alderman Eugene 
Carrell. The members of Mitchell's Band who were out 
were: Edward C. Mitchell, Eugene B. Osborne, George 
Osborne, Joseph Halpin, James Moreland, Peter Washer, 
James J. Thompson, John White, William Taylor, Philip 
Mann, William Brown, George Thompson, Albert Ka- 
hart, and William Rodgers, — Banner, July 21, 1898. 

HI. 

" Boys, the time has come. Every man who loves his country, 
forward and follow me." — General Hawkins, at San Juan. 

PATRIOTIC MEETING IN ASSOCIATION HALL. 

At the Men's Meeting held under the auspices of the 
local Y. M. C. A. in Association Hall, on Sunday, July 
27, 1898, 4:15 o'clock, Donald McCall State Secretary, 
made a patriotic address, taking for his subject, "For 
Humanity and Our Country." Mr. McCall gave an ac- 



102 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

count of the work which was being carried on at Sea Girt 
among the Soldiers encamped there, under the auspices of 
the Army and Navy Branch of the Y. M. C. A. A large 
audience was present, which listened with deep interest to 
Mr. McCall's story of the splendid work already accom- 
plished on behalf of American soldiers and sailors, and the 
collection taken for the furtherance of this important work 
was a generous one. Later in the summer of 1898, an- 
other meeting of a similar character was held in Associa- 
tion Hall, at which Elkanah Drake of Newark, made an 
address ; after which a collection was taken for the Armj" 
and Navy work of the Y. M. C. A. The aggregate of the 
two collections taken in Association Hall was about $100. 
The aggregate amount expended by the International 
Association for work among our soldiers and sailors during 
the Spanish- American war was $80,940.25 ; to which should 
be added $54,279.00, expended by the State Committees;' a 
total of $135,225.25. It is a fact upon which our local 
Association may in future look back with pleasure, that 
several of its noblest young men participated in the" Great 
Humanitarian War." 

IV 

'■" Don't Swear or You'll Catch no Fish." — Colonel Wood, at 
La Guasimas. 

HOBSON VISITS MORRISTOWN. 

Richard Pearson Hobson, the leader and organizer of 
the party who sank the Merrimac at the mouth of Santi- 
ago Bay, thereby bottling up Cervera's fleet for a time, 
who was captured by the Spanish, sent to prison, and final- 
ly redeemed, visited Morristown, arriving on the 9:14 p. 
m. train last Tuesday. He was a guest at Major C L. 
Patton's home on South street. 

The news of his coming to this city preceded him sev- 
eral hours, both by telephone and telegraph, so he was 
given a royal reception at the depot when he arrived. He 
was greeted by band, drum corps, engine whistles, fire- 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 103 

works, and thousands of people were present, all eager to 
shake his hand and congratulate him for his heroic deed. 

So great was the crowd that his carriage could not be 
found, and consequently the carriage of T. J. McMahon, of 
Mt. Freedom, was secured. The police had to clear the 
way so the carriage could pass along the streets. 

Hobson greeted everyone very cordially, and wrote his 
autograph for many. 

He left town the next morning on the 8 :25 train, well 
pleased with his short visit, and no doubt agreeably sur- 
prised at the cordial reception tendered him by the patri- 
otic Morristonians. — Evening Express, July 30, 1898. 

Richmond Pearson Hobson, the leader of the party 
who sank the Merrimac at the mouth of Santiago Bay, 
bottling up Cervera's fleet, arrived in Morristown on the 
9:14 train Tuesday evening, spending the night at Major 
C. L. Patten's home on South street. 

It was not Hobson's first visit to Morristown, but never 
was he received in the manner of Tuesday night's wel- 
come. 

As a cadet in the Annapolis Naval Academy he spent 
considerable time here, and later he has attended many 
social functions. 

His coming was noised about town before six o'clock, 
and before eight a large crowd had gathered at the depot. 
It was thought that he might arrive on the 8 :15, but when 
that train came he was not on board. Hardly five min- 
utes after, however, the telegraph instrument clicked off 
" He is on 117," the train due at 9 :14. Immediately red 
fire in quantities was procured, Mitchell's Band was ap- 
praised of the event and hurried to the depot. The news 
was spread in every waj^ and before train time an im- 
mense crowd was on hand to welcome the hero. 

Station Agent Carr, with others, went to Summit at 8 
o'clock to meet the train, and he telegraphed ahead for all 
the locomotive whistles to be blown for five minutes. 

As the train approached the station the whistle on the 
locomotive was blown lustily. Th© men in the round 




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SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 105 



house were waiting the signal, and in a mcjnunit, between 
band, whistles, shouts, and the glare of red fire, the noise 
and enthusiasm was tremendous. 

Men struggled to get aboard the car bearing Hobson, 
but were kept back by Marshal Holloway and Asst. Mar- 
shal Campbell, who seized the hero, and fighting off the 
crowds, fairly carried him across the station platform. 

Before he left the car he said he would rather repeat 
the Merrimac episode than face the crowd. It was a good- 
natured crowd, but everybody wanted to shake his hand 
or pat him on the back, and in their enthusiasm he was 
nearly torn to pieces. 

His carriage could not be found for the crowd, conse- 
quently that belonging to T. J. McMahon, of Mt. Free- 
dom, was secured and Hobson put in it for safety. He 
shook hands with all who came near him, but remarked 
that it was worse than war. Marshal Holloway remain- 
ed in the carriage, and after some minutes of hard work 
the open streets were reached. 

At the house a crowd gathered, and Mr. Hobson had 
to come out and shake hands with his admirers. 

He left town on the 8 :25 train on Wednesday morning. 
A number of people had gathered at the station to see him 
off, and railroad torpedoes were discharged as the train 
moved out of the station. 

Mr. Hobson impressed everybody as a gentleman. He 
wrote his autograph willingly for persons on the train, and 
although very tired, did not complain at the crowding at 
the station. He readily answered reasonable questions, 
but would tell nothing of the nature and progress of the 
work which brought him here. He came here for a night's 
rest as well as to see his relatives, and after the demon- 
stration on his arrival was not disturbed. 

He was dressed in a gray business suit and wore a 
black derby hat. 

His presence on the train Tuesday evening was not dis- 
covered by his fellow passengers until he was well on his 
way here. 



106 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Demonstrations were made at Summit and Chatham, 
and at both places the train was held for a few minutes 
while scores of people shook the hero's hand, but at Madi- 
son there were only the usual number on the platform. — 
Jerseyman, July 29, 1898. 



" I did not think you would refuse to follow wLere I would 
lead." — Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt, at San Juan. 

CONVALESCENT AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN TOWN. 

Luther Kountz, of the firm of Kountz Bros., New 
York bankers, has fitted up a large farm house on the 
Mendham road opposite his own residence as a sanitarium 
for convalescent soldiers. 

The house will accommodate twelve men comfortably, 
there being five there at present. The men are instructed 
to enjoy themselves, and they do justice to the order. Mr. 
Kountz meets all the expenses of the place and sees that 
the men are not wanting in anything. 

Those who are enjoying Mr. Kountz's hospitality can- 
not express themselves too strongly in appreciation of his 
kindness and liberality, and he certainly deserves great 
credit for what he is doing. 

Dr. Uebelacker is at the head of the medical branch of 
the institution, assisted by Miss Graham, a trained nurse 
from the Orange Memorial Hospital. A New York cook 
presides over that most important branch, the culinary 
department. The medical attendance is given by Dr. 
Uebelacker without compensation. Although a very busy 
practitioner. Dr. Uebelacker visits the house daily and 
gives to each patient a careful medical supervision, for 
which he is entitled to great credit. 

The ranking officer at the place is Sergeant D. Her- 
bert McLeod, Co. D, 3rd Texas. In civil life he was city 
editor of the Beaumont (Texas) " Daily Enterprise." Ser- 
geant McLeod was the only man at the place for a few 
days, but on Friday evening Jack Noguess of Co. D, 3rd 



108 MORRrSTOWN IN THE 

Texas arrived. On Saturday afternoon three men arrived 
from Roosevelt Hospital. They v^-ere Jason J. Jackson, 
24th Infantry, Andrew Chessie, Battery A, 2nd light Ar- 
tillery, William Bliiemer, Co. E, 21st U. S. Infantry. 
Jackson was born at Waterloo, Sassex county, and was 
sick with Yellow Jack. He came north on the 'Rio Grande,' 
which he says was nothing more than a cattle ship. He 
sprained his ankle on board the ship and had to sleep on a 
mattress on deck, which cost him 65. He paid $1 a day 
for a little oatmeal, which he got six times in as many 
days. 

Chessie was born in England but calls Canada his. 
home. He was at one time a member of the Canadian 
mounted police, one of the most efficient military organi- 
zations in the world. Bluemer is a New York boy. All 
of these men saw service in Cuba. 

On Saturday a handsome box of flowers was received 
by them, presented to "Some of Our Country's Brave 
Soldiers," by Mrs. Clarence MacDonald Cochran, Jr., of 
Mendham. — Banner, September 15, 1898. 

The appearance of soldiers in groups on the different 
streets has prompted several persons to humorously inquire 
if the town is under martial law. While such a question 
is perhaps justified it may be timely if not enhghtening to 
state that these representatives of " Uncle Sam's " service 
are entirely harmless, for they have entered this bailiwick 
unarmed and are at the mercy of our citizens. And it is 
doubtful if many could carry a gun even if they so desired, 
for their experience in Cuba left them in a condition not 
calculated to make labor or duties of any kind welcome 
for some time to come. These, to which reference is made, 
are regulars and came to Morristown on invitation of the 
Naval Hospital Aid. Of the number at Memorial Hos- 
pital, where the soldiers testify to having received every 
attention, nine obtained furloughs, and on Saturday night 
left for their homes or for posts where their respective 
regiments were stationed before the war. In the party 
were one sergeant and two corporals. One soldier had 



SPANISH-AMEUICAN WAR 10!i 

been in the service 18 years and in three In(han ranpaif^ns. 
Another had spent 12 years in the army and had also seen 
Indian fif^jhting'. The others who left the hospital have 
worn the United States nniforni for periods covering from 
two to six years. There are eight regidars at the hospital 
now, all suffering in greater or less degree from the effects 
of malaria or typhoid. Several more are expected from 
Montauk. Of those who arrived late last week Sergeant 
John Broadfoot of Co. A, Seventh Regiment, is the oldest 
soldier, having seen twelve years of service which includ- 
ed the Sioux campaign of '90 and '91. He was out of the 
service several years but re-enlisted. Two other members 
of the same compan}^ are with the sergeant. They are 
George E. Busej' and James U. McWilliam. Other mem- 
bers of the regiment here are John Sullivan, Co. E, ; John 
Keefe, Co. E, and James E Chase, Co. M, 7th Regiment. 
Everything possible for the comfort of the sick heroes 
is being done by the doctors and nurses at the hospital, and 
the soldiers declare that they will never ferget their so- 
journ in Morristown. The new hospital building has been 
opened for the accommodation of the soldiers and its ap- 
pointments are such as to make it seem almost a palace to 
the men who have spent the past four months sleeping on 
the ground and existing on a diet of salt pork and a limit- 
ed quantity of hard tack. Several of the convalescents 
have visited the Market Street Mission and a part}- of them 
attended the South Street Presbyterian Sabbath School on 
Sunday. — Chronicle, September 23, 189S. 

IV. 

''If he wants war, assure bim that he may have it here, now» 
or at the time that best suits him." — Commodore Dewey 
to Admiral Von Diederichs in Manila Bay. 

LINCOLN guard's RECEPTION TO RETURNED VETERANS. 

The rain last Friday evening prevented the parade 
scheduled as part of the reception tendered by the Lincoln 
Guards to the Morrisiown bo3's who went to the war. The 




GUANTANAMO, CUBA, 
Where the United States Marines Landed on June lo, 189S. 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 111 

entertainment in the G. A. R. rooms, however, was very 
successful. About one hundred and forty persons were 
present inckiding a considerable representation of the sol- 
diers. 

The exercises were opened with praj'er by Rev. T. I. 
Coultas, followed by music by the Fairchild Fife and 
Drum Corps, the members of which were dressed in conti- 
nental uniform. 

After a few opening remarks by J. A. Heath, who 
presided at the meeting, an address was delivered "On 
the Occasion " by Rev. F. W. Cutler, who spoke of the 
honor given to the Morristown soldiers and sailors, and of 
the great army which has been recruited from all parts of 
this country from all classes. 

Music was then rendered by the Heroic Glee Club. 

" Soldiers of Other Days " was the topic of Dr. Stephen 
Pierson, who spoke feelingly of the days of '61^ when the 
young men went from here in their uniforms to take part 
in the great civil strife. 

Prof. Muscat then rendered " Let me like a soldier die.' 

Dr. Macnaughtan then spoke of the great question of 
colonization and of the Philippine question in general and 
elicited applause. 

Regrets from soldiers who could not be present, letters;, 
etc., were referred to by Fred. B. Cobbett. 

Refreshments were served at the close of the remarks. 

Roy N. Berry, presented the following paper : — 

MORRISTOWN IN 1898. 

The spirit of practical patriotism has ever been a posi- 
tive element in the life and reputation of Morristown — 
Morristown whose hills and homes entertained the patriot 
army of the Revolution ; Morristown whose loyal citizens 
shouldered the musket and tramped to the Southland in 
sixty-one; Morristown whose mothers bid God-speed to 
their boys as they took up America's cause of humanity in 
ninety-eight. The opening of the war with Spain needed 
not to kindle the fire of patriotism in the heart of the Mor^ 



112 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

ristown citizens; it was already burning at a fever heat, 
waiting for the call to organization. From the outset it 
was anticipated that a local company of volunteers would 
be trained and accepted for service, but restriction in the 
call for troops, limiting the enlistment to the National 
Guard, rendered impossible a concentration of interest and 
a realization of this plan. Nevertheless, a considerable 
number of young men, their ears tingling with the echoes 
of the calls for troops, their eyes and minds curious for a 
camp and battlefield experience, and their hearts, con- 
sciously or unconsciously, stirred with love for the old flag 
and a consequent hatred for its enemies, by ones, or twos, 
or groups of five and six, slipped away from home, until 
in a short month, Morristown was well represented in everj^ 
branch of the service — regular and volunteer army and 
navy, marine and naval reserve. 

The outbreak of the war found our city represented in 
the national service, by four men, two in the navy, one in the 
regular infantrj^ and one, anticipating an opportunity for 
practical service, just entered in the Marine Corps. The 
early days of July found forty-three Morristown soldiers 
and sailors in service " under the old flag." In less than 
two months there had been thirty-nine enlistments from 
Morristown. Of these, twenty-five were enlisted under 
their own State, (twenty-four in the regiments of the Na- 
tional Guards and one in the Naval Reserve), nine in volun- 
teer regiments of New York State, one in a volunteer regi- 
ment of Pennsylvania, one in the naval medical service 
under the " Red Cross," and four newly enlisted men in the 
regular army. 

This varied enlistment brought varied service to the 
credit of the town, and specific honor to her men in the 
field. True, the great majority of these lingered for weeks 
and months in State and National camps within the coun- 
try's borders anxiously awaiting the call to actual war- 
fare, but yet in nearly all of the striking campaigns and 
battles of the war, Morristown was represented by partici- 
pants whose nerve and skill helped to win the country's 




CAMP SCENE IN COMPANY G, 2ud NEW JERSEY 
in Florida 



114 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

laurels. At the storming of the San Juan and Santiago 
forts, two of our sailors had a hand; at the taking of 
Gauntanamo by an advance guard of the Marine Corps, 
our soldier-sailor is officially reported as exhibiting marked 
coolness under fire ; in storming the heights before Santi- 
ago, our regular soldier saw his comrades of three years' 
service fall in numbers by his side, and another who has 
since claimed his home among us, was twice wounded on 
the San Juan hill; for the onward march of our army in 
Porto Rico, our engineers helped to pave the way ; and at 
the final capture of Manila, our recruit was initiated to the 
ringing of Spanish bullets. 

We are proud indeed of our part in these achievements, 
magnificent as they are in result to the country's good. 
But are we less proud, or less capable of gratitude for the 
service and sufferings of our soldier boys at home ? Sunk- 
en cheeks and slim bodies, wounded hearts and newly 
made graves, are evidence of the reality of that suffering; 
royal welcome and loving service are tokens of our aprecia- 
tion. During the war our city was represented also in 
every National camp — and in nearly every hospital. Hardly 
a Morristown man, whether in camp or at the scene of con- 
flict, has escaped severe sickness. Each has suffered in- 
convenience and hardship. One has laid down his life for 
his country, and others are yet seriously ill. On Septem- 
ber 17th, we joined in funeral service to the memory of 
James E. Babcock, who died September 12, at the army 
hospital at Jacksonville, from sickness contracted while in 
camp. We make to-night but passing note of these ser- 
vices, but we have yet faith that our pride and gratitude 
in their valor and for their sufferings and achievements, 
are not thus limited. 

At home the old spirit of patriotism ran ever high 
throughout the war, and each movement of our ships and 
armies was closely followed and each victory was herald- 
ed enthusiastically and most gloriously celebrated. The 
old cannon of the Lincoln Guards, beyond the age limit for 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 115 

active service, was 3'et able to applaud in no lialf- hearted 
manner, the achievements of its modern brothers. 

Did space and time permit, words on words could be 
added in praise of the Morristown women for their noble 
work through the "Red Cross Auxiliary" and the "Naval 
Hospital Aiil" in behalf of the sick and wounded soldiers of 
the war, and due credit would not yet be given this branch 
of the service. Through these agencies about $10,000 in 
cash, clothing, comforts and home delicacies, went forth 
from Morristown to aid the soldier boys on the battlefield 
and fighting deck and in hospital and camp. — Jerseyman, 
October 28, 1898. 

VII. 

•" The proper way to make war is to cl-ear ship and go at it." — 
Dewey to Diederiches in Manila Bay. 

HUMANE ENGINE COMPANY'S BANQUET TO RETURNED 
SOLDIER-FIREMEN. 

The Third New Jersey Volunteers were mustered out 
of service at Athens, Ga., on Thursday, February Oth. 
The young Morristonians who wer^ in the regiment arrived 
home on Sciturday morning. They are Corporal J. Edwin 
Van Dyke, Company G; J. Edward Rodermond, G; 
David C. Van Gilder, G; Fayette Howe, G; Daniel Jamie- 
son, M ; Rufus G. Whitehead, G ; Frank S. Meeker, G, 
and Allyn H. Thompson, A. The last three named are 
members of Humane Engine Company, and that organi- 
zation last night held a reception in honor of the returned 
.soldier-firemen. A varied program, which included reci- 
tations and speech making, was enjoyed, and a repast was 
ijerved. — Chronicle, February 17, 1899. 




FRANK A. HOLLOWAY, 
Company M, Second N. J. Volunteer Infantrj'. 



CHAPTER IX. 

"SHAFTER IS FIGHTING, NOT WRITING." — ADJUTANT- 
GENERAL TO SECRETARY ALGER, WHEN THE 
LATTER ASKED FOR NEWS FROM 
THE FRONT. 



2)cfen^er0 of National Ibonor. 

Roll of men from 3Iorristown, Neiv Jersey^ and 
vicinity, ivho served in the United States army and 
navy in the Spanish- American War, commencing 
April 21, 1898, and closing August 12 of the same year; 
ivith the regiment and company in which, or the battle- 
ship on ichich they respectively served; date of enlist- 
ment and muster-out, and other interesting data in 
connection with their service. 

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY. 

1. George Abers, Company H, First New Jersey Vol- 
unteer Infantry. Enlisted April 2G, 1898; mustered out 
November 4, 1898. This regiment was encamped at Sea 
Girt, New Jersey, and Falls Church, Virginia. While en- 
camped at Falls Church the members of the regiment 
found many rehcs of the Civil War, including bullets, 
musket-stocks and swords. Aber brought home several 
bullets as souvenirs. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 




JAMES E. BABCOCK, 
Company M, Second N. J, Volunteer Infantry. 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 110 



2. Thomas Anderson, Company I, Two Hundred and 
Second New York Volunteer Iufantr3^ Enlisted August 
1, 1898; mustered out April 15,1899. This regiment was 
encamped at Savannah, Georgia, and in the Province of 
Havana, Cuba. It was the first regiment of American 
troops to enter the Cuban capital ; and Company I is said 
to have flung the first United States flag to the breeze in 
the Province. After the close of the war Anderson re- 
enlisted in Company C, Fifth United States Infantry, and 
was stationed for a time in Santiago City, Cuba. 



3. James E. Babcock, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 28, 1898; died of 
typhoid fever in the Second Division Hospital, Jackson- 
ville, Florida, September 12, 1898. His remains were 
placed in a metalic casket, hermetically sealed, and, under 
escort of Charles W. Bodine of Company M, brought to 
Morristown, New Jersey, where, on September 17, 1898, 
the}'- were buried with militar}^ honors. The funeral ex- 
ercises were held in the Baptist Church, Rev. Samuel Z. 
Batten, A. M., pastor, officiating. The handsome church 
edifice was filled with a deeply interested audience, com- 
posed of friends and fellow-townsmen of the deceased. 
The pall bearers were : William H. Hayes, Jr., Charles 
W. Bodine, William Rerrick, Fred. W. E. Minderman, 
George Blackwell and Christopher Nichols, all members of 
Babcock's company. Lieutenant Ernest Goodell and Ser- 
geant Arthur Kelly of Company M, were present at the 
funeral and accompanied the procession to the place of in- 
terment at Evergreen Cemetery. Over the grave, a squad 
of twelve soldiers of the Third Texas Volunteer Infantry, 
in charge of Sergeant D. H. McLeod, (all of whom were 
convalescing at Luther Kountz's, on the Mend ham road) 
fired a salute of three volleys ; and William Hessey, bugler, 
a Civil War Veteran, sounded taps, at the close of the re» 
ligious ceremony. 



120 MORRISTOWN IN THE 



James E. Babcock, who was the younger son of Jonas 
and Sarah Babcock, was born in Morristown, New Jersey, 
August 28, 1870. When about 17 years of age he enlist- 
ed in the United States navy, in which he served three 
years; a portion of the time on the "Juniata." During 
his term of service he visited, on his ship. Hong Kong, 
China, and several other foreign ports, and, after his re- 
tirement from the naval service in San Francisco, Cali- 
fornia, he visited several portions of the West, Babcock 
was a good sailor and a faithful soldier. 
Bequiescat in pace. 



4. George L. Berry, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enhsted June 17, 1898; muster- 
ed out November 17, 1898. The Second New Jersey was 
encamped at Sea Girt, New Jersey, and Jacksonville and 
Pablo Beach, Florida, Berry is the son of a Civil War 
veteran who served in the Eleventh New Jersey. Resi- 
dence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

5. Charles W. Bodine, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 17,1898; mus- 
tered ©ut November 17, 1898. Bodine was detailed to ae. 
company, as an escort, the remains of James E. Babcock 
to Morristown, New Jersey, for burial, and was one of the 
pall bearers at the funeral. Before the expiration of his 
leave of absence, which had been granted him because of 
impaired health, he was stricken with typhoid fever and 
confined several weeks in All Souls' Hospital, Morristown, 
New Jersey. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

6 Joseph F. R. Boniface, Company B, and subsequently 
Company C, First Battalion United States Marines. En- 
listed March 23, 1898. On board the auxihary cruiser 
" Panther " he accompanied his battalion to Guantanamo, 
Cuba, where, on June 10, 1898, he was among the first 
American force to effect a landing on Spanish soil after 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAK 121 

the declaration of war. He was also among the body of 
Marines who so gallantly defended Camp McCalla, Guan- 
tanamo, against the two attacks of the Spanish forces; the 
first occurring at about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of June 
11; and the second commencing at about !) o'clock of the 
same night and continuing until the morning of June 12, 
1898. In the engagement with the Spanieh forces at Cusco, 
a few miles East of Camp McCalla, on June 14, Boniface 
also participated ; and for his unusual self-possession and 
excellent markmanship displayed upon that occasion was 
specially mentioned by his company commander. Captain 
Elliott, in his official report. In this report Captain Elli- 
ott said: " Many of the men fired as coolly as at target 
practise, consulting with each other and their officers as to 
range. Among these were privates Carter, Faulkner and 
Boniface," On his return to Morristown in Sei3tember,1898, 
on a ten days' furlough, Boniface was given a splendid 
reception by his friends, who met him at the railroad sta- 
tion and accompanied him to his home on King street. 
After the close of the war he remained in the Marine bat- 
talion, serving on board the warships " New Orleans " 
and "Chicago "; he was, also, stationed for a lime at the 
Brooklyn Navy Yard. On the battleship " Texas " Boni- 
face went to Havana, Cuba, where the disintered remains 
of the Maine's victims were taken on board and brought 
liome for burial in the Soldier's Cemetery at Arlington, 
Virginia. At last accounts Boniface was with the ' 'Texas" 
at San Juan, Porto Rico. 

7. Charles A. Bottleberger, New Jersey Naval Reserve, 
Eastern Division, on board the auxiliary cruiser "Bad- 
ger." Enlisted May 4, 1898; mustered out October 6, 
1898. Bottleberger had joined the New Jersey Naval Re- 
serve in 1897. On his return to Morristown after his mus- 
ter out he was given a rousing reception by the employes 
of Stiner Brothers, grocers, with whom he had previously 
served as a clerk. A large number of friends, including 
several veterans of the Spanish- American war, headed by 



122 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

a local drum corps, escorted him from the railroad station 
to the McAlpin Hall, where nearly a hundred persons sat 
down to a splendid supper prepared by John Little, cater- 
er. After supper, music for dancing was furnished by 
Sharrette's Orchestra until past midnight, when, after the 
singing of " Home, Sweet Home," the company dispersed. 

8. J. Harry Boniface, U. S. Hospital Corps, on board 
the Hospital Ship " Relief," as nurse and night apothecary. 
Enlisted June 12, 1898; mustered out September 18, 1898. 
After the series of engagements before Santiago, Cuba, he 
assisted in taking the wounded from the battlefields to the 
division hospitals at Siboney, from whence many of them 
were taken on board the " Eelief," where he assisted in 
nursing them. At Ponce, Porto Rico, whence the "Re- 
lief " had gone, Boniface assisted in removing from the 
shore hospitals to the "Relief," man}'^ delirious typhoid 
patients whom he nursed. At Arroyo, several wounded 
American soldiers, and subsequently at Mayaguez, several 
typhoid cases, were received on board the " Relief," and 
taken to the Philadelphia hospitals. Another load of sick 
and wounded was afterward taken by the " Relief," from 
the same points, to Montauk Point, New York. From 
the latter place the " Relief " subsequently took to Boston 
about 300 convalescents; and from the same point this 
ship conveyed a number of convalescing soldiers to Phila- 
delphia, after which, the "Relief" proceeded to New 
York, where Boniface was mustered out. Residence, 
Morristown, New Jersey. 

9, Herbert C. Collins, Company K, Fourteenth New 
York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 2, 1898; mus- 
tered out November 8, 1898. This regiment was encamp- 
ed at Hempstead, New York, Chickamauga, Tennessee, 
and Lexington, Kentucky. While in camp Collins was 
stricken with typhoid fever, which reduced his weight 
from 148 to 116 pounds. While convalescing he came to 
Morristown, New Jersey, where bis parents were residing, 
to recuperate. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 





J^^ 




DENNIS F. COONEY, 
Battery E, Fourth United States Artillery. 



124 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

10. Joseph Curacoa, Company A, Fourth New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 2, 1898; mustered out 
April 6, 1899. This regiment was encamped at Camp 
Meade, Pennsylvania, and Camp Witherell, Greenville, 
South Carolina. After his discharge froin the Fourth New 
Jersey, Curacoa re- enlisted in the Twenty-Eighth United 
States Volunteer Infantry, in which he served in the Phil- 
ippines. 

11. Patrick Cashen, Company E, Sixty-Ninth New York 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 1, 1898; mustered out 
February 19, 1899. The Sixty-Ninth was encamped at 
several points in the South and West: including Tampa 
and Fernandina, Florida; Huntsville, Alabama, and 
Chickamauga, Tennessee. The regiment received orders 
to proceed to Cuba, but these were subsequently counter- 
manded just as they were about to embark from Port 
Tampa, Florida. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 



12. George W. Cook, Company M, Second New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 17, 1898; mustered 
out November 17, 1898. Soon after his return home he 
was taken down with typhoid fever, and confined to the 
house several weeks. On December 10, 1898, having re- 
covered his strength. Cook re-enlisted in Company B, 
Fourth United States Infantry. When, on January 15, 
1899, the regiment broke camp at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, 
and proceeded by way of New York, through the Atlantic 
Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to Manilla, Cook was 
left behind because of throat trouble. He took passage, 
however, from San Francisco, California, on the next 
transport for Manila, by way of the Pacific, arriving there 
May 1, 1899. On June 19, 1899, during a charge by 
American troops on the Filipino intrenchments near Perez 
Das Marinas, Luzon, he was shot in the head and instantly 




GEORGE W. COOK, 
Company M, Second New Jersej' Volunteer Infantry. 



126 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

killed. Cook's remains were placed in a metallic casket, 
hermetically sealed, and sent home, reaching Morristown, 
New Jersey, by way of San Francisco, CaHfornia, on March 
15, 1900, where on March 19, 1900, they were buried with 
military honors. The United States colors flying from the 
liberty pole in the park, were placed at half-mast as a 
mark of respect to the deceased. The following account 
of the funeral is from the " Jersey man " of March 23, 
1900. "The funeral obsequies of Private George W. 
Cook, who fell in action near Perez Das Marinas, Philip- 
pines, on June 19, 1898, * * * * were held in the 
Church of the Assumption, Monday morning (18th,) at 
9 :30 o'clock, Rev. Father Donovan officiating in a solemn 
high mass. The Spanish-American Veterans, of Morris- 
town, and a detatchment from Company M, of Dover, es- 
corted the body from the house of the deceased at Collins- 
ville to the church, and from thence to the cemetery. The 
procession was headed by five members of the Morristown 
Flute and Drum Corps, viz: Frederick Schraudenbach, 
Sidney Collins, George J. Cory, Joseph Kronenberg and 
Joseph Lepine. Then came the officers in charge — 1st 
Lieutenant Ernest Goodell, and 2nd Lieutenant J. W. 
Roff, of Dover, N. J., followed by an escort consisting of 
Robert Myer, Thomas Conlon, Nelson Freeman, Marvin 
Anderson, and John Gilmore, of Dover, N. J., and James 
R. Sutton, William Mack, J. Paul Jamieson, David C. 
Van Gilder, Charles E. Letcher, Fayette Howe, Theodore 
F. Kinsey, Augustus W. Smith, Mauritius Jensen and J, 
Harry Boniface, of Morristown, N. J. The pall bearers 
were: Fred. W. E. Minderman, Charles Endall, Thomas 
Gilligan and Alfred Stites, of Dover, N. J., and J. Ed- 
ward Rodermond and George Abers, of Morristown, N. J. 

At the grave three volleys were fired, followed by taps 
on the drums. The body was encased in a handsome oak 
casket, around which was the American flag. 

Cook was a lather and had hved at CoUinsville from 
his youth up to manhood. He was of quiet and reserved 
disposition, was always kind to his relatives, especially so 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 127 

to his mother, and he it said of him that he never crossed 
her in any way — except when he left home to fi<^ht and 
die for his country. An honorable death, but one which, 
under the circumstances, brouj^ht great sorrow to his 
home." Requiescat in pace. 



13. Dennis F. Cooney, Enlisted March 26, 1884, and was 
assigned to Battery E, Fourth United States Artillery, In 
this battery, which was stationed successively at Fort 
Adams, Rhode Island; Atlanta, Georgia, and St. Augus- 
tine, Florida, he served ten years, being discharged there- 
from at the expiration of his term of service, at Fortress 
Monroe, Virginia. He then re-enlisted in Light Battery 
B, Fourth United States Artillerj% and was stationed at 
Fort Riley, Kansas, where he remained until March 16^ 
1898, when the battery was ordered to Cuba; and, pro- 
ceeding by way of Xew Orleans, Louisiana, and Chicka- 
mauga, Tennessee, he reached Port Tampa, Florida, May 
1, 1898. On July 3, 1898, the battery took transport for 
Cuba, by way of Key West; and on July 9, 1898, they 
were in the vicinity of Santiago. After the surrender of 
the Spanish forces under General Toral, the battery sailed 
with the Porto Rican expedition, under General Nelson A. 
Miles; and with its G field guns it participated in several 
engagements in Porto Rico. On November 26, 1898, 
Battery B left Porto Rico, arriving at Savannah, Georgia, 
December 1, 1898, where they were encamped until Feb- 
ruary 12, 1899, when they were ordered to Fort Riley, 
Kansas, arriving there February 13, 1898, after eleven 
months' service in the field. Batter}^ B, at last accounts 
was stationed at North Point, Maryland, from which place 
the author of this volume has received two entertaining 
letters from Mr. Cooney. As inferred from his letters he 
is now attached to Battery E, Fourth United States Ar- 



128 MORRISTOWN IN THE 



tillery. Although born in Boonton, New Jersey, Cooney, 
prior to his original enlistment, resided some time in Mor- 
ristown, New Jersey ; where his brothers and sisters now 
reside. 

14. Edward Cooney, (Brother of Dennis F.) Enlisted Jan- 
uary 13, 1884:, and was assigned to Battery B, Fourth 
United States Artillery, then stationed at Fort Adams, 
Rhode Island. Here he served five years, receiving an 
honorable discharge January 13, 1889. Soon after the 
declaration of war against Spain he re-enhsted in Company 
M, First Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, from which he 
was mustered out in November 1898. In July 1899, he 
again enlisted, this time in Company C, Twenty- Sixth 
United States Volunteer Infantry, in which he served in 
the Philippines. 

15. Alfred DeGroot, Company A, Twenty-Second United 
States Infantry. Enlisted May 12, 1898. This regiment 
was encamped at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia. In 
accordance with his wishes he was transferred to Company 
A, Eighteenth United States Infantry for service in the 
Phihppines. With his regiment he sailed September 22, 
1898, on the transport " Ohio," from San Francisco, Cali- 
fornia, reaching Manila, October 5, 1898. The Eighteenth 
Infantry participated in several engagements with the Fili 
pinos, during DeGroot's term of service; but his health 
having become impaired he was honorably discharged; 
and, leaving Manila in August, 1899, by the transport 
"Arizona," he reached Morristown, New Jersey'', October 
5, of the same year, where he was warmly welcomed by 
his friends. He is the son of a Civil War Veteran. Resi- 
dence, Chicago, Illinois. 

16. John Dempsey, Company G, Second New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 27, 1898; mustered 
out November 11, 1898. Residence, Morristown, New 
Jersey. 




WILI^IAM H. HAYES, Jr. 
Company M, 2ud New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, 



130 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

17. Walter Gulick, Battery H, Second United States Ar- 
tillery. Enlisted July 9, 1898; mustered out October 18, 
1898. This battery was stationed at Tampa, Florida, from 
July 18 to August 21, 1898. He was honorably discharg- 
ed at New London, Connecticut. Gulick re-enlisted at 
the United States army recruiting station, 275 Market 
street, Newark, New Jersey, June 21, 1899, and on July 
10, 1899, sailed for Manila. He served with his regiment in 
the Philippines. 

18. Benjamin Hart, Jr., Battery A, Pennsylvania Light 
Artillery, attached to the Fifth United States Artillery. 
Enlisted May 20, 1898; mustered out December 1, 1898. 
This battery, composed mostly of young men from several 
Colles:es and Universities, including Princeton, Yale and 
Harvard, participated in the Porto Rican campaign. Resi- 
dence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

19. William H. Hayes, Jr., Company M, Second New 
Jerse}' Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 2, 1898; mus- 
tered out November 21, 1898. Residence, Woodhaven, 
New York. 

20. Frank A, Holloway, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 17, 1898; muster- 
ed out November 17, 1898. On December 10, 1898, he 
re-enlisted in Compan}^ B, Fourth United States Infantry, 
in which he served in the Philippines, participating in sev- 
eral engagements. 

21. Patrick Hackett, United States Navy. Enlisted De- 
cember 16, 189G; mustered out November 4, 1899. He 
served mostly on the protected cruiser " Raleigh," and on 
this ship participated in the famous naval battle in Manila 
bay. May 1, 1898. He now wears the beautiful bronze 
medal presented by the United States Congress to every 
American sailor who assisted Commodore Dewey in achiev- 
ing the great victory over Montejo's Spanish fleet. On its 
outer edge the medal bears Hackett's name in full. 

Note. — Inasmuch as Hackett is now a resident of Mor- 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 131 

ristowii, and has several relations who have long resided 
here, tlie author feels jiistitied in giving- him a place in this 
volume beside those who enlisted from this city. 

22. Emerson A. Hedden, Company H, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 2, 1898; muistered 
out November IT, 1898. Residence, Hackensack, New 
Jersey. 

23. Fayette Howe, Company G, Tiiird New Jersey Vol- 
unteer Infanti'v. Enlisted Jul}' G, 1898; mustered out 
February 11, 1899. This regiment was stationed, one bat- 
talion at Fort Hancock, New York harbor, manning the 
big mortar-guns in the pits; and another at Pompton 
Lakes, New Jersey, guarding the government powder 
manufactor3^ On August 3, 1898, the two battalions 
were joined at Pompton Lakes; and on November 11, 1898, 
the entire regiment was sent to Athens, Georgia, where 
they remained until mustered out. Residence, Morris- 
town, New Jersey. 

24. William J. Jordan, Company B, Tenth United States 
Infantry. Enlisted July 25, 1898; mustered out Februarj', 
1899. While this regiment was encamped at Jackson- 
ville, Florida, Jordan served in the Hospital Corps. With 
his regiment he was subsequently stationed in Havana, 
Cuba. Residence, Flatbush, New York. 

25. J. Paul Jamieson, Company G, Twelfth New York 
Volunteer Infantry. He joined the New York State Na- 
tional Guard in 1897. On May 8, 1898, he was mustered 
into the United States service. While encamped at Chick- 
amauga Park, Tennessee, he was appointed mounted 
orderly to Major G. R. Dyer of the Twelfth New York. 
This regiment was stationed in Matanzas and Cardenas, 
Cuba. Jamieson was mustered out February 27, 1899. 
He is still connected with the Twelfth New York State 
National Guard. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 



132 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

26. Daniel Jamieson, Jr. At the commencement of the 
Spanish- American war he was a member of Company G, 
Sixth Regiment National Guard of New Jersey. After 
the first call by the President for volunteer troops was 
made, Company G, of the Sixth New Jersey National 
Guard was transferred to the Third New Jersey National 
Guard to increase the latter to a twelve company regi- 
ment. On May IC, 1898, Jamieson was mustered into the 
United States service as a member of Company M, Third 
New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. With his battalion he 
was sent to Fort Hancock, entrance to New York harbor, 
the latter part of May, 1898, where they manned the big 
mertar-guns in the pits, and were drilled in infantrj' tactics 
in sand ankle-deep. On July 1, 1898, he was promoted to 
the rank of Corporal. August 3, 1898, the battalion with 
which Jamieson was connected rejoined the Second Bat- 
talion stationed at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Novem- 
ber 11, 1898, the Third New Jersey was sent to Athens, 
Georgia, and brigaded with the Two Hundred and Second 
New York, and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- 
fantry, where they remained during the winter. Jamie- 
son was mustered out with the regiment February 11, 
1899. He is still a member of Company M, Third New 
Jersey National Guard. Residence, Morristown, New 
Jersey. 

27. William Keepers, Company B, Fourteenth New York 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 5, 1898; mustered out 
October 27, 1898. He subsequently re-enlisted in the 
United States Navy, serving on the training ships " Con- 
stellation " and " Alliance." On the " Alliance " Keepers 
started June 24, 1899, from Boston, Massachusetts, for 
Southampton, England ; from thence the ship proceeded to 
Gibraltar; Tangiers, Madiera; St. Thomas; San Juan, 
Porto Rico; Havana, Cuba; Key West, Florida; arriving 
at Hampton Roads, Virginia, December 5, 1899. While 
the " Alliance " lay at Hampton Roads, Keepers spent 
several days at home on furlough, at the expiration of 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR IXi 

which he started on his ship for a long cruise, inckuling a 
visit to Manila. The " Alliance " carries four 4-inch, four 
(i-lKHUul, two l-pound and two Colt automatic guns. 

28. Theodore F. Kinsey, Company B, Two Hundred and 
First New York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 25, 
1898; mustered out April 3, 1890. This regiment was en- 
camped at Greenville, South Carolina. Residence, Morris- 
town, New Jerse}'. 

29. Alexander Kimbark. Sergeant, Company K, Twelfth 
New- York Volunteer Infantry. Enhsted May 1, 1898; 
mustered out April 20, 1899. He enlisted as Corporal and 
was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, January 1, 1899. 
After his discharge he re-enlisted and served in the Phil- 
ippines. 

30. Charles E. Letcher, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 17, 1898; muster- 
ed out November 17, 1898, Whileat Jacksonville, Florida, 
Letcher was taken ill, and after confinement in the Sec- 
ond Division Hospital was sent to the Recuperating Hos- 
pital, Pablo Beach, On September 3, 1898, he was grant- 
ed a thirty days' furlough, and came to Morristown, New 
Jersey, Before the expiration of this furlough he was 
ordered to Sea Girt, New Jersey, for muster out ; but the 
entire regiment being furloughed for thirty days Letcher 
returned to Morristown. On October 10, 1898, he went to 
Paterson, New Jersey, for physical examination prepara- 
tory to discharge. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

31. George J. Little, Troop A, New York Volunteer 
Cavalry. Enlisted May 2, 1898; mustered out Novem- 
ber 28, 1898, This regiment served in the Porto Rican 
campaign. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

32. William Mack, Company M, Second New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 28, 1898; mustered 
out November 21, 1898. Residence, Morristown, New 
Jersey. 




CHARLES E. LETCHER, 
Company M, 2nd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 135 

33. Frank S. Meeker, Company G, Third New Jersey 

Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 28, 1898; mustered 
out February 11, 18l»0. He is the son of a Civil War 
veteran who served in Company F, Fifteenth New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

34. Patrick Maher. United States Marines, on board the 
battleship "Indiana." Enlisted November 7, 180G. With 
this ship he took part in the famous naval engagement of 
July 3, 1898, resulting in the destruction of Cervera's 
S(piadron. 

35. Edward J. Mason, United States navy. Enlisted in 
the j^ear 1895, on board the "Vermont." Transferred to 
the battleship " Indiana," on which he served as stoker. 
.During the engagement with Cervera's Spanish squadron, 
July 3, 1898, Mason at his request was granted permis- 
sion to serve as gunner in place of a disabled seaman ; and 
assisted in the handling of one of the " Indiana's " 13- 
inch guns. He was honorably discharged from the naval 
service and on December 31, 1898, re-enlisted in Company 
L, Sixth United States Infantry, and was encamped for a 
time at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. 

36. George W. Masker, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enhsted in June, 1898; muster- 
ed out in November, 1898, 

37. Sidney J. Mather, Troop A, New York Volunteer 
Company. Enhsted May 2, 1898; mustered out Novem- 
ber 25, 1898. He served with his regiment in the Porto 
Rican campaign. 



38. Patrick Moore, Sergeant, Company B, Eighth Unit- 
ed States Infantry. Enlisted July 28, 1895; promoted to 
the rank of Sergeant in 1896; mustered- out July 28, 1898. 
During the campaign resulting in the surrender of Santi- 
ago, Cuba, this regiment, one of the best in the army, bore 
a conspicuous part ; and such was the character of Moore's 



136 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

personal services in the engagement at El Caney, on July 
1, 1898, that his soldierly conduct on that occasion was 
afterward highly commended and his splendid marksman- 
ship specially emphasised. Notwithstanding his term of 
service expired before the close of the Santiago campaign, he 
remained with his regiment until the war closed ; and, con- 
tracting the tropical fever, he was brought home in a 
greatly emaciated condition. Before he had completely 
regained his strength, Moore re-enlisted October 1, 1898, in 
Company G, Twelfth United States Infantry, for antici- 
pated service in the Philippines; and, with his regiment he 
sailed from New York, February 19, 1899, on the trans- 
port " Sheridan," and, going by way of the Mediterranean 
Sea and the Suez Canal reached Manila, April 14, 1899. 
In the Philippines he participated with his regiment in 
several engagements. He was again promoted, first to 
the rank of Corporal and later to the rank of Sergeant, 
and all within six months from the date of his re-enlist- 
ment. Moore, having been stricken with enteric fever, a 
form of typhoid, was placed on board the Hospital ship 
" Missouri," and, about the middle of December, 1899, 
started homeward through the Pacific ocean. On Jan- 
uary 25, 1900, he succumbed to the disease, dying in mid- 
ocean. He was born in Morristown, January 28, 1876 — 
and hence lacked three days of being twenty-four years of 
age. His remains were embalmed, placed in a metallic 
casket, hermetically sealed, and sent by way of San Fran- 
cisco, California, to Morristown, New Jersey, where they 
arrived March 9, 1900, being placed in charge of Peter 
Struble, undertaker. On March 10, 1900, the funeral ex- 
ercises were held in the Church of the Assumption, the 
Rev. Father Donovan, officiating. As a mark of respect 
to the deceased the United States colors flying from the 
Liberty pole on the Park, were placed at half-mast. The 
remains were accompanied to the church by the following 
escort of resident veterans of the Spanish-American war : 
Sergeant J. H. Morehouse, officer in command; William 
Mack, J. Edward Rodermond, Fayette Howe, George L. 



-3Kf 







s^lj^ 



J 



SERGEANT PATRICK MOORE, 
Company B, Eighth United Slates lufantrj'. 



138 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Berry, Theodore F. Kinsey, David C. Van Gilder, James 
R. Sutton and Charles E. Letcher. A local drum corps, 
consisting of Frederick Schraudenbach, Sidney Collins, 
and Justin Lepine, headed the funeral procession. The 
pall bearers were : Frank S. Meeker, J. Harry Boniface, 
Augustus W. Smith, George Abers, Rufus G. Whitehead 
and John Dempsey. The firing squad consisting of Com- 
rades Berry, Howe, Kinsey, Letcher, Mack, Rodermond, 
Sutton and Van Gilder, armed with muskets procured of 
Torbert Post, No. 24, Grand Army of the Republic, fired 
a salute of three volleys in front of the vault at St. Mary's 
cemetery, in which the remains were placed for future in- 
terment. Reqiiiesccit in pace. 



39. J. Edward Rodermond, Company G, Third New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 5, 1898; mustered 
out February 11, 1898. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

40. Augustus W. Smith, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June 17, 1898; muster- 
ed out November 17, 1898. Residence, Morristown, New 
Jersey. 

41. James R. Sutton, Company M, Second New Jersey In- 
fantry. Enlisted May 2, 1898; mustered out September 
17, 1898. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

42. Theodore H. Theile, Company E, United States Vol- 
unteer Engineers. Enlisted June 29, 1898; mustered out 
January 25, 1899. He served with his regiment in the 
Porto Rican campaign. 

43. J. Horace Towlen, Troop H, Third United States 
Cavalry. Enlisted May 26, 1896; mustered out May 26, 
1899, At the time of Towlen's discharge his regiment was 
stationed at Fort Meyers, Virginia, near Washington, 
D, C. 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 1:50 

44. Allyn H. Thompson, Company A, Third New Jerse}^ 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 3, ISDS; mustered out 
February 11, ISOO. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

45. John R. Thompson, Company K, United States Vol- 
unteer Engineers. Enlisted June 20, 1898; mustered out 
January 27, 1899. This regiment participated in the 
Porto Rican campaign, where Thompson served with a 
coast survey detail, 

46. Decatur Trent, Company L, Second New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted June IG, 1898; mustered 
out November 17, 1898. 

47. Robert Trowbridge, Company M, Second New Jer- 
sey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 1, 1898; mustered 
out November 17, 1898. Here-enlisted January 28, 1899, 
in Troop G, Second United States Cavalry, and served in 
Cuba, being stationed at Matanzas. 

48. J. Edward Van Dyke, Corporal, Company G, Third 
New Jersej^ Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July G, 1898; 
mustered out February 11, 1899. He is the son of a Civil 
War veteran. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

49. David C. Van Gilder, Company G, Third New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 6, 1898; mustered out 
February 11, 1899, Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 

50. Charles H. Weschler, Company F, Fourteenth New 
York Volunteer Infantry. Eulisted June 23, 1898 ; mus- 
tered out October 27, 1898. He subsequently re-enlisted 
in Company H, Thirty-Ninth United States Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served in the Philippines, where he was pro- 
moted to the rank of Commissary Sergeant. He is the 
son of a Franco-Prussian War veteran, who served in the 
German army. 

51. Rufus G. Whitehead, Company G, Third New Jersey 
Volunteer Infantry. Enhsted July 6, 1898; mustered out 
February 11, 1899. He is the son of a Civil War veteran. 
Residence, Morristown, New Jersej'. 



140 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

52. Raoul A. Lavalle, Served as private mounted order- 
ly to Colonel E. B. Pullman, Chief Quartermaster of the 
United States forces in the Porto Rican campaign. Resi- 
dence, Morristown, New Jersey. 



MADISON, NEW JERSEY. 

1. John H. Talmadge, Company M, Seventy-First New 
York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 2, 1898 ; muster- 
ed out November 15, 1898. He actively participated with 
his regiment in the fighting before Santiago, and in the 
famous charge up the San Juan hill, July 1, 1898, and in 
subsequent skirmishes with the enemy. On September 1, 
1898, while at home, he was taken down with typhoid 
fever, and confined in- doors several months. Residence^ 
Madison, New Jersey. 

2. Edgar E. Burnett, New Jersey Naval Reserve, East- 
ern Division, on board the auxiliary cruiser " Badger." 
Enlisted May 17, 1898 mustered out October 17, 1898. 
On April 18, 1898, a detail of twenty men from the New 
Jersey Naval Reserve, of which Burnett was one, was 
sent to the League Island Navy Yard, at Philadelphia, to 
take charge of the monitor " Montauk." This detail spent 
two weeks overhauling the machinery of the " Montauk," 
getting stores aboard, and cleaning up generally. They 
were then ordered home to be in readines to go on the 
" Badger," and another crew from the Battalion of the 
West was put on the " Montauk." The crew of the 
" Badger" and a few on board the "Resolute" were the onlj^ 
men of the New Jersey Naval Reserve who saw active 
service while the war lasted. Burnett enlisted as first- 
class fireman and was discharged with the rank of water- 
tender. Residence, Newburg, New York. 

3. William Force, Jr., New Jersey Naval Reserve, East- 
ern Division, on board the auxihary cruiser "Badger." 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 141 

Enlisted May 17, 1898; mustered out October 17, 1808. 
He served in the engineer division. Residence, Madison, 
New Jerse^^ 

4, John McGraw, New Jersey Naval Reserve, Eastern 
Division, ou board the auxiliary cruiser " Badger." En- 
listed May 17, 18!)8; mustered out October 17, 1898. Resi- 
dence, Madison, New Jersey. 

5. Ferdinand J. Titus, Now Jersey Naval Reserve, East- 
ern Division, on board the auxiliary cruiser "Badger." 
Enlisted May 17, 1898; mustered out October 17, 1898. 
Residence, Morristown, New Jersey. 



CHATHAM, NEW JERSEY. 

1. Ernest Nunn, Corporal, Company D, Two Hundred 
and First New York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 
13, 1898; mustered out April 3, 1899. He was promoted 
to the rank of Corporal, December 9, 1898. Residence, 
Chatham, New Jersey. 

2. M. Floyd Ferris, Corporal, Company D, Two Hun- 
dred and First New York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted 
July 13, 1898; discharged September 29, 1898, by order of 
the Secretary of War. Residence, Chatham, New Jersey. 

3. Waller S. Tyson, Corporal, Company D, Two Hun- 
dred and First New York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted 
July 13, 1898; mustered out April 3, 1899. He is the son 
of a Civil War veteran. Residence, Chatham, New Jer- 
sey. 

4. Walter W. Conklin, Jr., Company D, Two Hundred 
and First New York Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 
13, 1898; died November 20, 1898, of Ascending Myletis, 
at Camp Witherell, Greenville, South Carolina. 



142 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

5. C. Frederick Stopford, Corporal, Company D, Two 
HuDdred and First New York Volunteer Infantry. En- 
listed July 11, 1898; discharged Januar}^ 4, 1899, by order 
of the Secretary of War. Residence, Chatham, New Jer- 
sey. 



HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 

1. J. Condit Smith, Battery A, Missouri Liglit Artillery. 
Enlisted in June 1898; mustered out November 30, 1898. 
This organization was encamped at Chickamauga Park, 
Tennessee, until July 25, 1898, when it proceeded by way 
of Newport News, Virginia, to Porto Rico, landing at Ar- 
royo, Southeastern end of the island. It was in General 
Brooke's command. J. Condit Smith, is the son of Colo- 
nel John C. Smith, deceased, who served in the Civil War. 
Residence, Troy Hills, New Jersey. 

2. Mauritius Jensen, Company A, Twelfth New York 
Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted May 13, 1898; mustered 
out April 20, 1899. This regiment was stationed at Chick- 
amauga Park, Tennessee, and at Matanzas and Cardenas, 
Cuba. Residence, Morristown, New Jersey, 

3. J. Warren Howell, Company M, Seventy-First New 
York Volunteer Infantry. Enhsted May 10, 1898; mus- 
terd out November 19, 1898. With his regiment he par- 
ticipated in the famous charge up the San Juan hill, July 
1, 1898, and in subsequent skirmishes with the enemy. 
Residence, New York. 



FILIPINO INSURRECTION. 



The following named young men enlisted from Morris - 
town and vicinity for service in the Philippines, in quelling 
the Filipino Insurrection : 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 143 

1, Victor Brown, Company F, Twenty Eighth United 
States Infiintry. Enlistetl July 12, 1809. With his regi- 
ment he left Camp Meade, Pennsj^lvania, September 24, 
1899, arriving at Camp Presidio, California, September 30. 
On October 26, 1899, the regiment sailed from San Fran- 
cisco, on the transport " Tartar " for the Philippines, ar- 
riving at Honolulu November 3, from whence they sailed 
November G, arriving at Manila November 23, 1899. He 
served with his regiment in the Philipi^ines. 

2. J. Frederick Lindabury, Troop D, Fourth United States 
Cavalry. Enlisted March 27, 1899. This regiment served 
in the PhiHppines, Lindabury was near General H. W. 
Lawton when he was shot. 

3. John M. B. Sayres, Company A, Twenty-Eighth Uni- 
ted States A^olunteer Infantry. Enlisted July 13, 1899. 
He served with his regiment in the Philippines. 



MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY. 

The following is a list of persons who enlisted from the 
New Jersey State Hospital, Morris Plains, New Jersey, in 
the United States service as nurses, during the Spanish- 
American war, the subjoined record having been copied 
from their own written statements. The author is indebt- 
ed to Dr. B. D. Evans, Medical Director of the above 
named institution for the list and record. 

1. George S. Van Winkle, Enlisted August 25, 1898; dis- 
charged in Cuba, April 20, 1899. Belonged to Company 
A, First Division Hospital. Hospital Corps of Seventh 
Army Corps. Employed at the New Jersey Hospital at 
present. 

2. William H. Brown, Enlisted August 25, 1898; dis- 
charged in Cuba, April 20,. 1899. Belonged to Company 



144 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

C, First Division Hospital. Hospital Corps of Seventh 
Army Corps. Employed at the New Jersey State Hos- 
pital at present. 

3. Newton T. Overdorf, Enlisted August 25, 1898; dis- 
charged in Cuba, March 28, 1899. Belonged to Company 
C, First Division Hospital. Hospital Corps of Seventh 
Army Corps. Employed at the New Jersey State Hos- 
pital at present. 

4. A. ia. Hucjhson, Enlisted June 1, 1898; discharged 
January 14, 1899, at Fort Hamilton, New York harbor. 
Served with Volunteer Cavalry Division Hospital. Hos- 
pital Corps of Second Army Corps. Employed at New 
Jersey State Hospital at present. 

5. George S. Vanatta, Enlisted August 25, 1898; dis- 
charged in Cuba, January *22, 1899, Belonged to Com- 
pany B, First Division Hospital. Hospital Corps of Sev- 
enth Army Corps. 

6. Lee Allen, Enlisted August 25, 1898; discharged in 
Cuba, April 20, 1899. Belonged to Company C, First 
Division Hospital. Hospital Corps of Seventh Army 
Corps. 

7. John Sullivan, Enhsted August 25, 1898; discharged at 
Fortress Monroe, Virginia, March 27, 1899, Belonged to 
Hospital Corps of the Seventh Army Corps. 

8. Ernest W. Steinbushcl, Enlisted August 25, 1898; dis- 
charged in Savannah, Georgia, December 20, 1898. Be- 
longed to Company B, Second Division Hospital, Corps 
of the Seventh Army Corps. 



FEMALE NURSES. 

Signed contract as army nurses September 14, 1898. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAK 



U". 



Contrm-ts HimulUMl in May, 1S90. Were in Tliird Division, 

First Army Corj)s : 

Catherine T. Abell, Elizabeth McHride, 

Lillian Kiley, Jessie Zerhone, 

Ajjnes Mclnnes, Jennie L. Hamnley, 

Lucy Kelley. Ellen Keeling. 

Signed contract October 14. 1898. Contract annulled 
February 18, 1809: 

Catharine T. Farrell, (now at N. J. State Hospital.) 
Nannie Harper, 
Eliza V^an Sickle, 
Annie Cosgrove, (now at N. J. State Hospital.) 




CHAPTER X. 

AFRAID I'll strain my guns at long RANGE; TlL 
CLOSE IN." — LIEUTENANT WAINWRIGHT OF THK 
"GLOUCESTER," IN THE FIGHT WITH CER- 
VERA's St^UADRON. 



llcttcre from ''Zbc Bo^e," 

TO FRIENDS AT HOME. 

FROM CUBA. 

On Board U. S. S. Panther, 
OFF Santiago De Cuba, 

June 10, 1898. 

Dear Father : — Arrived here at 7 this morning after 
GO hours' sail from Key West. We had a verj- eventful 
trip with lots of excitement. When passing Morro at 
Havana the search -lights were flashed on us; also at 
Matanzas. Just as we got outside the Sand-Key-Light 
we hailed the Yosemite and ordered her to convoy us to 
Santiago. We carry dispatches for the entire fleet. Last 
night we hailed the Norwegian Steamer Franklin bound 
for Maine from Vera Cruz ; she was allowed to proceed. 
Later we struck the Scorpion, and I told you we hit her 
amidships, but she is just passing alongside now and she 
was hit in the stern. Her rail is hanging over the side 
along with some of the stern plates. 



148 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

We can see the Morro at the entrance of the harbor of 
Santiago, the city itself being about 8 miles from here. 
The channel to the bay inside is Hke the neck of a bottle. 
A ship must go in 6 miles before she can anchor. The 
New York, New Orleans, Texas and several other battle- 
ships are lying about us. The mountains are very high, 
almost like they are around Scranton. A cliff extends 
close to the shore from the Morro eastward about a mile to 
the foot of the mountain. So you see it will be difficult to 
attack the fort. 

The hills are heavily wooded. There are no transports 
here beside ourselves, and we will wait here until reinforce- 
ments come. Progress will be very slow at any rate 
through the underbrush. I suppose mail will be very ir- 
regular in coming here, but address 1st Battalion, U. S. 
M. C, Co. C. of course, we will get it from Key West 1 
suppose. 

Nearly every one is writing to some one, as we don't 
know when some ship may come alongside to take it. 

There is a flag floating from the fort, but we cannot 
tell whether it is Spanish or American at this distance. 
The cruisers look fine with their guns pointed outboard 
like quills on a porcupine. We are to land in our small 
boats, 20 or 30 each ; two companies at a time. 

I don't know as there is any thing else to say. Hope 
all are well. You may get another letter in this same 
mail as we can't tell when it may go. Love to all and 
best regards to the " boys." 

From your son, 

Joseph F. R. Boniface. 



On Board Hospital Ship "Relief," 

Off Santiago, Cuba, 

Thursday, July 7, 1898. 

Eds. Banner : — We arrived at Santiago this morning 

at 11 a. m., having been detailed to the splendid Hospital 

Ship " Relief." We had a pleasant trip all the way down 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 149 

until we ran into some heavy seas in the Windward Pass- 
age about 2 o'clock this morning, and every man on board 
was aware of the changed conditions. Old Neptune did 
not intend to let us Yankees believe we are absolute Kings 
of the Sea, no matter what Montejo, Cervera and several 
thousand dazed and demoralized Dons of lesser degree- 
ma}' think about it, and thus it was that — well, my own 
head is not absolutely leveled up yet, and the ocean kicked 
up such a bobbery that it did not agree with many <jf the 
boys. 

After leaving New York harbor we only made one 
stop — at Fortress Monroe, where we arrived Sunday after- 
noon and remained from 4 until 8 p. m. We took on fif- 
teen men there, mostly surgeons, but among them was 
Mr. Nicholas Fish, who went down to bring back the body 
of his son, one of the Rough Riders and among those first 
killed in that terrific assault made by our troops on the 
Spanish intrenchments. 

It is a great sight to look out on shore and see what, 
no doubt, are the effects of our war vessels' bombardments 
in great masses of rock strewn around a hollow in the 
ground, in attacks on block houses, points on the railroad, 
&c. By the way, I am glad to say this railway is being 
run b}^ American engineers, and at the distance from 
which we see it, it appears smooth and handsome like the 
Riverside drive in New York, only the mountains along 
its base are very high and the sight is really magnificent, 
the ocean running right up to this rock-bound coast, from 
which tall mountains covered with tropical verdure rise to 
gi-eat heights. 

We did not know of the destruction of Cervera 's fleet 
until this afternoon but you would think something had- 
happened if you could see the occasional dead bodies float- 
ing about. It is an awful sight — we are told that hun- 
dreds of dead and wounded went down with their ships. 
It was a magnificent victory, but an awful, a horrible de- 
feat. 

Now let me tell you something about this splendid Hos- 




EMERSON A HEDDEN, 
Company H, 2nd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 151 



pital Ship, the "Relief." She is large, roomy, anil mag- 
nificently equipped. We have 240 bunks ready for im- 
mediate use for sick and wounded, 175 more ready to be 
put up, and l(K) cots to be placed on the hurricane deck if 
necessary— thus over 500 of our brave boys can be splendid- 
ly cared for on this one vessel, and kept out here on the 
ocean where there is almost a continual breeze and always 
the life-giving sea air. We have an ice plant that turns 
out three tons of ice a day, a carbonating machine for 
making seltzer, ample cold storage rooms, electric fans, 
hot and cold water baths and shower baths, the ship is 
lighted by electric lamps, and we have an operating room 
upon the equipment of which nearly $3,000 was expended. 
Thus you see we are a hospital indeed, in the fullest and 
most modern meaning of the word. We have two drug- 
gists on duty, one during the day and one at night. I had 
the good fortune to be appointed to duty at night. Thus 
far, however we have had very little to do. Send me a 
'• Banner " to remind me of the real good times at home, 
i!<.nd believe me. 

Yours truly, 

J. Harry Boniface. 



SiBoxKV, Cuba, Post Office Station, No. 1. ) 

July 8, 1898. f 

Dear Mr. Roy:— As things are getting interesting 
down in this warm country, which is very warm just at 
this time, will tell you a little war news, although you can 
find out more and much more quickly than from one here. 
We are seven miles from Santiago, and can hear the firing 
from the big guns of the war ships very distinctly. 

We have a grand sight right alongside of us. ' Just im- 
agine sitting down to a nice dinner of roast beef with the 
operating room right across the aisle, and some one bring- 
ing in an arm or leg. That is what happened twice to-day. 



152 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Well, everything goes, and if I'm not a butcher when I 
come home, I don't know what I will be. 

If you want to see dead Spaniards this is the place. 
One of our doctors took a photograph this aftei'noon of one 
spot in the water of over one hundred dead bodies. They 
were floating around in the water like so much rubbish 
(of course that's what they are.) 

We get good eating on the boat, and have nothing to 
complain of at all, but we get lots of hard work. 

We have two druggists — one on night and the other 
on day duty — both receiving same pay. I am head drug- 
gist, having been appointed yesterday by one of the Majors 
of the army. I am also at the head of the surgical ward, 
which contains sixty-four beds. I have twenty-nine in the 
ward now — nine to be operated on to-morrow — so that 
keeps me hustling. 

You ought to see the wounds the Mauser bullets 
make. You would think a fellow had been struck with 
a chain of lightning. 

There are over five hundred men lying on the sand 
along the shore, some under tents, others between logs; 
some with their arms or feet off, others with a whole leg 
gone — most of them lying right out in the hot sun, with 
nothing but an army blanket around them. 

I went on land this afternoon here at Siboney, which 
is the headquarters of the army on the island. I went in- 
to one of the tents where the doctors were operating. One 
fellow, who had been shot in the eye, the bullet coming 
out through the back of his head, was sitting up, waiting 
for the doctors to clip his head so they could dress the 
wound. I went up to him afterwards and asked if I could 
do anything for him. He said no, he could not complain, 
but could eat something if he had it. So I went back and 
got him a can of soup and a pair of pyjamas. Well, if 
you had given a child a new toy he could not have been 
any happier. I watched him ; he looked it all over three 
or four times, then looked up at me. I could see tears 
come in his eyes, so I bade him good b3''e and told him I 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAll 15;i 

would see him again. So it is, but j'ou never hear a word 

of complaint anywhere, for the army is doing all it can. 

Yours truly, 

J. Harry Boniface. 



On Board Battleship " Indiana," I 
Santiago, July 5, 1898. f 

Dear Sister: — We had a fight on the 3rd of July; 
about 9.40 a. m. we saw the Spanish fleet coming out of 
the harbor and then the fun bpgan, and lasted for about 
fortj"-five minutes, and when the smoke cleared away we 
could see three ships afire on the beach. You ought to 
have heard the cheers; all went wild. The report is about 
1,500 killed and wounded, and there may be more. 

Well, we have revenged the "Maine." They fought 
hard, but they couldn't hit a flock of barns. We had some 
prisoners on board and the}' were a sight to see ; some were 
badl}' wounded. We were waiting for that fight and we 
got it at last. We were hit once. We disabled one ship 
and two torpedo boats. There was a hot time on the 
"Indiana" cind every one is happy over it. They talk 
about the Manila fight, why it wasn't in is with this. 
Cervera was a brave man to come out and show himself, 
but he did not last long. We had a bombardment last 
night and we were struck on the quarter-deck. A mortar 
shell tore through the deck and set her on fire ; the damage 
was slight. That was the first one that did any damage. 
These are the ships that were in the battle : the " Indiana," 
"Oregon," " Iowa," " Texas," " Brooklyn " and the small 
gunboat " Gloucester." The " New York " came up when 
the battle was over. 

Edward J. Mason, 

Stoker, U. S. S. "Indiana." 



154 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Address all mail Co. M, 71st Infty. N. Y. Vols, 
in the field. 

Near Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, ) 
Jul3% 12, 1898. f 

My Dear Mother: — It is now a long time since I 
have had the chance to write you a letter, having had my 
time pretty well occupied since landing in Cuba, and then 
another reason for not writing is that I am entirely out of 
writing paper; this is a small dirty scrap that I have bor- 
rowed from my friend Howell, so I will not be able to 
write you as long as I wish I could. Now, mother, will 
3'ou send me as soon as possible a tablet, so that I can do 
some writing; get one as thick as you can. You need not 
be particular about the quality of the paper as you know 
any kind will do to write on with a pencil ; and send also 
some envelopes. Well, we have now been about three 
weeks in Cuba and from w^hat I can see of it I think it 
quite a nice place. We are having a wonderful amount of 
rain ; we have a heavy shower every day, but last night 
was the first night during which it has rained since we 
came here ; but oh ! how it did rain. I never experienced 
such a night before in all my life, and I was on picket 
duty about five hundred yards from the Spanish entrench- 
inents, but truly if the enemy had made an attack I could 
never have seen them until the}' were right on me. Well, 
I suppose by the time this reaches you, you will have read 
all about the battle of July 1st, and mother, I never 
realized what war was until that battle. I can tell you 
our company had a hard time of it; we lost four men 
killed and thirteen wounded in about ten minutes fighting. 
It was a terrible sight to see the dead and dying scattered 
all around. I think we lost ten or twelve hundred killed 
and wounded. I will write a long letter and give all de- 
tails as soon as I receive the paper. I am enjoying very 
good health, and I thank God for it, and also for keeping 
me through the dangers of that fight, for I can tell you I 
never want the bullets to come closer than they came that 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 155 



day. Well, inothor dear, how is your liealth now; the 
last I heard from home you were not so well as usual. I 
hope you are better now. How are all the folks? How I 
would like to see them all again. How 1 will enjoy my 
home-coming, and I hope it may be before very long. 
Saturday I received a number of letters and they were all 
welcome. Father spoke of sending a box, and I wish he 
woidd send it. 1 think it will be safe to send it, others 
receive boxes all right; but tell him I think it best not to 
have the box too large ; and if he sends any canned meats, 
please ask him not to send any roast beef, for they have 
been feeding us on that until I am sick of the sight of it. 
Now, mother, I have filled this sheet of paper so will 
have to stop writing, With much love to all, and your 
own dear self, I am your own dear " Jack." 

(John H. Talmadge.) 



FROM MILITARY CAMPS IN THE "SUNNY 
SOUTH " AND IN THE WEST. 



Camp Cuba Libre, | 
Jacksonville, Fla. f 

Dear Jerseyman: — Our trip South was one that will 
long be remembered by all. At 6.30 last Thursday morn- 
ing our camp at Sea Girt was the liveliest we had experi- 
enced since we were in camp. At 9.30 we were on the 
field for regimental drill for the last time at Sea Girt. 
The rest of the day the boys were kept busy in packing up 
their equipments and bidding good-bye to their friends. 
The boys were all in good health and glad that they were 
going to the front. At 6.30 p. m. we marched to the sta- 
tion, where a special train was waiting for us. We start- 
ed on our trip at 8.40 p. m., stopping at Baltimore and 
Washington, D. C. Our first excitement was at Quantico, 




PATRICK HACKETT, 
United States Protected Cruiser " Raleigh.' 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 157 

Yd., where the boj's espied a car-loud of watermelons to 
whicli they helped themselves liberally, and when we left 
there was one car-load of watermelons less. 

The rest of the trip was very interesting to all of us, 
passing principally through the cotton and tobacco-grow- 
ing country- and Southern forest, reaching here at 12.30 
Saturday. 

Once more the Jersey boj's met with a fine reception as 
they entered Jacksonville. On their way to camp they 
were reviewed by Gen. Lee at the Windsor. The streets 
were crowded with soldiers from other regiments, who 
looked with amazement as the Jerse}^ boys marched through 
the street. Many remarks were made as to the fine ap- 
pearance they made. Without their equipments they 
could not have been distinguished from regularly drilled 
soldiers. " A more perfect line never passed through the 
streets of Jacksonville," said Gen. Lee; " they are boys to 
be proud of." 

There was a battalion from the 2d regiment at the sta- 
tion with drum corps to escort us to camp. During our 
march a severe storm drenched the boys thoroughly, but 
they all enjoyed a pleasant Sunday attending the Y. M. C. 
A. and writing letters home telling of their trip and how 
they expect to enjoy the sunny South. 
Yours truly, 

Charles W. Bodine, 
Co. M, 2nd N. J. Vols. 



Camp Cuba Libre, / 

Jacksonville, Fla., July 18, 1898. j 

Headquarters Co. M, 2nd Regt., N. G. N. J. 

Editor Chronicle : — I send a brief account of what 
we did in camp last week. Monday, drills omitted owing 
to hard rain. Those soldiers who had no floors in their 
tents were swamped, as even the streets were flooded. 



158 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Tuesday — The drills omitted again owing to rain. Board 
floors have been placed in the rest of the tents. Wednes- 
day — Rifle inspection, no drill. A large number of our 
old rifles condemned as being unserviceable. The boys 
have all received Springfield rifles of the make of 1884. 
They have a ramrod bayonet, fixed by pulling the ram- 
rod part way out. The recruits were instructed in hand- 
ling arms by Lieut. Roff, all participating in dress parade 
later in the evening. Thursday — Captain Petty of Co. M, 
drilled us in the morning. The paymaster put in an ap- 
pearance about noon and before night we had received our 
pay for the month of June. Friday — Nine regiments 
paraded in review before General Lee and staff. The 
rumor that one regiment was to be transfered to another 
corps has not been confirmed as yet. Saturday — No drills. 
A train load of soldiers, including a number of Morris- 
town boys, went to St. Augustine. We found the most 
"Ancient City" of our land the prettiest .place we have yet 
seen in the South. It has many historical houses and as- 
sociations; we visited the old Spanish cathedral and the 
oldest house in the United States; both are still in a good 
state of preservation. The streets are broad and finely laid 
out, with a number of magnificent hotels. The gardens 
are resplendent with palms and semi-tropical plants. Our 
visits also included a sight of the ancient Spanish cannon 
and the furnace formerly used to make hot shot, Sunday 
— No drills. A large number of soldiers attended the 
churches, and nlthough the congregations are not large 
the services are impressive and interesting. Monday — 
This morning the Second Division, of which the Second 
New Jersey is a part, marched two miles and were drawn 
up in a battle formation. After field drill we were march- 
ed back to camp again. The Morristown boys are all well. 

Charles E. Letcher. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 159 



Camp Cuba Libre, i 

Jacksonville, Fla., July 19, 1898. f 



Dear Jerseyman : — Another week has passed and the 
boys are getting more used to camp life, although they 
have had to endure the intense heat during the past week. 
On account of the heat the drills have been very short, 
nothing but company drills, dress parades and reviews. 
There being no drill last Saturday, about 1,500 of the boys 
enjoyed a trip to St. Augustine, starting at 9 a. m. and re- 
turning at 8.30 p. m. Companies of four secured carriages 
and were shown the city with all its historical points of 
interest. Among some of the most interesting were Old 
Fort Marion, once occupied by the Spaniards, the city 
gates which are about three hundred 3'ears old, the old 
Spanish grave yard, in which many noted Spanish people 
are buried. 

Many rumors are afloat that the 2nd N. J. Vols., will 
be moved to Porto Rico but nothing definite confirming 
these statements can be had. 

Col. Wm. Jennings Bryan is expected here on Friday 
with his regiment from Nebraska. 

The first death in the 2nd Regiment was that of Quarter- 
master Howard Kaisler, Co. H, of East Orange. While 
out for a walk in Jacksonville he had a sunstroke and 
when found was unconscious. . Mr. Kaisler leaves a wife 
and four children. His body was sent to East Orange by 
rail in charge of Sergeant Osborne. The boys of Company 
H, immediately made up a purse of $150 for his bereaved 
family. This shows how they loved their brother soldier 
who died for a just cause. 

The boys are feeling well and waiting for the command 
" forward march." 

Your truly, 

Charles W. Bodine. 



igo morristown in the 

Camp Cuba Libre, ( 
Jacksonville, Fla., Jaly 25, I8y8. f 

Dear Jerseyman : — The boys bave enjoyed tbe past 
week better than any since they have been in camp, the 
weather being much cooler, and we have only one drill a 
da}^. We have had brigade review twice during the week, 
the 2nd N. J. carrying off the honors each time. A wel- 
come greeting was given Captain D. S. Allen, Chaplain 
W. H. McCormick and Mrs. E. L. Petty, who arrived 
here on Saturday on the " Seminole " of the Clyde Line to 
paj^ a short visit to Captain E. L. Petty of Co. M. 

Morristown boys on guard during the week were Wm. 
Mack, Chas. Letcher and Frank Holloway. Those de- 
tailed for guard to-day are Geo. Berry, James Babcock 
and Chas. Bodine. The first detachment for rifle practice 
has just gone out to the rifle range for the day. Fifteen 
men from Co. M, are included. All expect to qualify and 
return sharp shooters. 

Louis Barnes, of Co. M, while down in Jacksonville 
about noon yesterday, was given a hardtack which he ate. 
On his return to camp, he became unconscious, was taken 
to the hospital, and the doctor on examining him, found 
he had been drugged. He is improving and will soon be 
around again. The boys are all glad when the Jersey- 
man arrives in camp, and we feel very thankful as we al- 
ways are glad to read of home. All are feeling well. 
Yours truly, 

Charles W. Bodine, 

Co. M, 2nd N. J. Vols. 



Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 15, 1898. 

Dear :■ — It is said we are to have a two days' 

march this week, starting Wednesday morning for Pablo 
Beach, and if we go I will write from there. Captain 
Petty is on furlough now, and expects to be in Morristown 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 101 

on the 20th. We do not just know whether we will go to 
Havana or back to dear Old Jersey. We expect to 
strike a blow for "Old Glory" instead of lying here at 
Jacksonville; but we came to fight for Uncle Sam and will 
go where he sends us, though we would like to see the good 
people in Morristown just the same. I will send a small 
alligator along pretty soon. 

Yours truly, 

George L. Berry, 

Co. M, 2d. Regt. N. G. N. J. 



Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 15, 1898. 

Editor Chronicle: — Although there has been en- 
thusiasm displayed over the news of peace with Spain, we 
are sorry to say some of our boys from Morristown are on 
the sick hst. Charles Letcher, who was taken quite ill last 
Saturda}', was removed to the hospital on Monday, but is 
improving. He had a slight attack of malarial fever. 
With the good care he is receiving, we hope he will soon 
be again on dvity. 

William Hayes, who has been in the hospital with the 
fever, is to be removed to Pablo Beach, about twelve miles 
from Jacksonville — an elegant place on the sea shore where 
most of the patients are sent as soon as they are able to be 
moved. James Babcock, who has been complaining with 
stomach trouble, was sent to the division hospital to-day. 
Another sorrow befell our boys in the Second New Jersey 
Regiment. John J. Katzenberg of Company C, aged 20 
years, died at the Second division Hospital, Friday night, 
August 12, of typhoid fever. The body was embalmed 
by Clark and Burris, undertakers, and the funeral services 
were held at their parlors Saturday evening. Chaplain 
Jones of the Second conducted the services, and the body, 
with an escort from his company, was sent to his parents' 
at Rutherford. Being a fine young man, he will be miss- 
ed by his comrades. The boys all expect to hear good 




MAURITIUS JENSEN, 
Company A, 12th New York Volunteer Infantry 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 103 



news on General Lee's return from Morristown. On Sat- 
urday the first Alabama regulars arrived here from Mima, 
and the Sixth Missouri arrived to-day from Jefferson Bar- 
racks, where the}" have been in camp. Berry and Mack 
took their turn at guard duty last week, which we do not 
like to see come around very often. 

Captain Petty and wife, Sergeant Rodda and Thomas 
Conklin sailed yesterday on the " Seminole " on a fifteen 
days' furlough. The weather not being so warm here 
now, the boys are much more comfortable. Witli regards 
from all the boys to friends and parents, and hoping our 
sick ones will keep on improving, yours sincerely, 
Charles W. Bodine, 

Co. M, 2d Regt. N. G. N". J. 



Camp Wells, Fla., Aug. — , 1898. 
The papers and books recently received were very ac- 
ceptable; time passes very quickly when one's mind is 
occupied. The books are passed around and greatly ap- 
preciated by all. We have a regular priest now attached 
to our regiment, whom we all like— the Rev. C. A. Enis, 
a member of the Order of St. Dominic. There is always 
a pleasant breeze from the ocean, but some of the worst 
showers I ever saw ; we are well protected, however, and 
keep extra clothing for change when caught out. It looks 
as if we might be sent to Cuba, but the probabilities are a 
trip homeward by October will be nearer the truth. The 
picket line extends twelve miles in a circle round the city, 
and it can't be passed without a regular permit. * * * 
I have just paid a visit to the Morristown boys in Co. M, 
at Jacksonville. The box of books, papers and pads sent 
by the Morristown ladies were so welcome. I received 
mine on Sunday. Many of the magazines have the donors' 
names on them and we feel that we are not forgotten. We 
have good food and every one gets plenty. * * * All 
the Morristown boys are well excepting Letcher, Hayes 



164 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

and Babcock, who are doing nicely, though still in the hos- 
pital. There have been four deaths this week in the Jer- 
sey regiment, but they were men who were not rugged and 
who did not report sick until too late. If we only have a 
headache we are supposed to report to the doctors who 
make the rounds of the companies every morning. It 
looks from present reports as if we would be sent to Ha- 
vana; we have been measured for our tropical uniforms, 
which are made of canvas, and a great deal cooler than 
those we are now wearing. 
Yours truly, 

John Dempsey, 

Co. M, -^d Regt. N. G. N. J. 



Camp Cuba Libre, ) 

Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 18, 1898. i" 

Dear Friend : — We get the Jerseyman, Chronicle, 
Banner, Iron Era and Morris Journal, so \'ou see that 
Morris County news is not lacking. Yes, Wm. Hayes has 
been very sick with malarial fever, but is now able to be 
up and walk around his ward at the hospital. James 
Babcock, Charles Letcher and three fellows from Co. M 
are in the hospital now, but all are improving except Bab- 
cock, whose fever was up to 104 to-day, (106 is the limit). 
He is very low, but we all hope that he will recover and 
be able to go out on the drills with us soon. All the rest 
of the recruits are getting used to camp life. The boys are 
playing all kinds of tricks on one another, such as pulling 
one out of his tent when he goes to sleep. We spread our 
blanket out on the board floor, and some of the fellows 
come along, grab the blanket and pull us into the street. 
They get access to our tents very easily, as we are com- 
pelled to leave the flaps open during the night owing to the 
intense heat. There is another trick they work on the 
colored civilians who come into our streets after some of 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 165 



the boys' washing. There is a fellow in one company 
named Gilligan and he plays the "deaf act" on them, and 
"chews the rag" with them sometimes for half an hour. 
We are having but one drill and dress parade each day on 
account of the heat. We are all getting acclimated now, 
and don't mind the heat so much, but we know the difference 
between the parade ground and the shanty end of com- 
pany's cook-house, where all the boys hang out when they 
are at their leisure. There is a rumor afloat that we are 
to go to Havana by Sept. 1st. I don't know whether it is 
true or not, but we were all measured this morning for our 
duck suits, and it seems quite certain that we are booked 
to go. We are to have the Mauser rifles when we go 
down there. 

I just came off guard duty yesterday morning at 9.30 
a. m., going on the day previous at the same hour, I 
have caught four tricks of it so far. There are 3 reliefs 
and the boys are relieved every 2 hours. They then have 
4 hours off to sleep and lay around. There are 8 hours 
actual duty and 16 hours off. There are about 16 States 
represented here now ; 1 company and sometimes 2 from 
each State. 

We have had two sham battles since we were here, the 
opponents being the North Carolina regiment, and we 
didn't do a thing but flank them and bang away at them 
as long as our shells lasted. We also took a lot of their 
men as prisoners. We got the decision, and were all glad 
of it, too, for there isn't a regiment in the camp here that 
likes them. 

We just came in from dress parade, and Co. M got 
the applause of the spectators, who come up from the city 
every night. 

The prisoners from the different companies of the 2nd 
Regt. have built a large guard house, under the super- 
vision of one of our corporals, for "drunks" and the fel- 
lows that stay out after " taps." I haven't had a dose of 
it yet, and don't want it either, as those that get any sen- 
tence have to go out every day and cut pine stumps. They 




JOHN M. B SAYRE, 
Company A, 2Sth U. S. Volunteer Infantry. 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 167 

are trying to fix up our parade ground, such as cutting out 
old stumps and filling up the lu^llows, and those fellows 
that go in the guard house are compelled to put in their 
time at this kind of work. 

We sleep three in a tent, and don't have any more 
room than we want, for they are very small. We can 
hardly stand up straight when we get in them. I built a 
rack for our guns, fixed up a line from both centre-poles 
for our towels, blouses, etc., and built a long closet for all 
our little articles, and now it looks as if somebody lived 
here. There are tents on both sides, facing each other, 
and the space between is called a company street. The 
Captain's quarters are at one end, and the cook-house 
at the other end of the street. Every company has two 
rows of tents. 

All the boys here send their best regards to the Jersey- 
man office. 

Frank A. Holloway, 
Co. M, 2nd N. J. Vols. 



Jacksonville, Fla., / 
August, 1898. [ 

Dear Just now the boys are having but one 

drill a day on account of the heat. Last week we had our 
first sham fight, a North Carolina and a Virginia regi- 
ment against the Second New Jersey, the former to drive 
the latter from the gi-ound. Though there were two regi- 
ments against them, the Jersey boys did not give an inch. 
Each man was given five blank shells, and while they 
lasted things were warm. They say it seemed like old 
times back in 1 861— only there was no one hurt. That 
was the first sham battle we had, and I would put the 
Jersey boys up against any regiment in the army for fight- 
ing. We signed the pay roll this morning and expect to 
be paid this week, so the boys are happy. All are glad to 



108 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

hear that the Naval Aid Society and the Lincoln Guards 
are going to send us something from home. I know the 
boys would enjoy some good reading, for that is a thing 
we have very little of. There is talk of moving our camp 
about a mile, but we received word this morning to wait 
a while, for there are great hopes of being sent to Porto 
Rico. One of our boys has some syrup from Jersey which 
he received this morning. It was a great treat to dry 
bread three times a day. 

Yours truly, 

George L. Berry, 
Co. M, 2nd Regt., N. G. N. J. 

Note. — A box of coinfot'ts and eatables collected by 
the Lincoln Guards and their friends was sent., on 
Wednesday, August ^4, to the Morristown boys at 
Jacksonville, Florida. The box included soaps, tow- 
els, jellies, pickles, catsup, olives and even several 
cakes baked especially for the trip by some of the 
mothers at home. 



Camp Thomas, ) 
Chickamauga, Tenn., Aug. 25, 1898. J 

Editor Chronicle: — I have read the "Chronicle" 
ever since I've been here, and have read the letters sent by 
different Morristown boys about their respective camps; so 
I thought I would write something about this regiment, 
though it is not from Jersey. There are quite a number 
of Jersey boys in it. The first thing we hear in the morn- 
ing is the bugle at 5.30, sounding first call for reveille. 
We get up in a hurry and assemble for roll call. The tent 
is thoroughly policed and the blankets are taken out, 
shaken and aired. Then, at 5.45, comes the doctor's call 
for all sick men to report at the hospital tent, where they 
receive pills for all ailments. If you have sore feet you 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 109 

got pills ; if you have a toothache, backache or earache, its 
all the same, you get pills. Then at 6 o'clock, comes the 
most glorious call of all — mess call. Sometimes we have 
rice that is burnt, or fried sow belly, with coffee and bread 
or hard-tack. At 7 o'clock comes police call for the guard 
of the preceding day and special details to report at the 
guard-house, to be assigned to the different fatigue duties 
of the camp. Then drill at 7.55. The drills are not as 
bad as the}' were, being shorter by about an hour; they 
pass very quickly. We are marched back to our com- 
pany streets and dismissed. At 11 we hear again that be- 
loved call and march to the kitchen in single file for our 
pork and beans, or beans and pork, as the case may be. 
We have roast beef on Sunday, with potatoes, and some- 
times we have beef stew or hash during the week; but 
pork and beans seem to be the most popular dish ; at least 
we see it oftener than any other. We have coffee with 
every meal, sometimes with sugar, more times without. 
On very rare occasions we get steak or canned salmon ; 
that is the extent of our bill of fare. At 3.55 p. m. comes 
first call for guard mount. This is a duty which is very 
much disliked by the boys, though it is not hard. We go 
on at -i o'clock one daj' and come off at 4 the next ; we 
have two hours on and four off. But when you get up at 
midnight to do two hours' guard in a lonely spot it is very 
trying, as it is necessary to be always on the alert, the of- 
ficers being up to all kinds of tricks to try the men; and it 
will go pretty hard with a man if he is caught napping 
while on guard. At 4.50 p. m., we assemble for dress 
parade and inspection, and woe unto him who neglects his 
general appearance; the first time he will get off with 
extra police duty, but the second offense means the guard 
house and a fine. At dress parade we are marched into 
position ; then we are put through the manual of arms, 
after which we are marched past the Colonel in review. At 
5.30 we get another one of those beloved mess calls, which 
generally means dried apple sauce or canned tomatoes, or 
something else of a similar nature; so that we don't over- 



170 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

load our stomachs before going to bed. At 8 50 we have 
first call for tattoo; we all assemble for roll call, after 
which we go to our quarters and to bed. At 9.15 taps are 
sounded ; that means lights out and go to sleep. Though 
the lights go out, I'll not vouch for the going to sleep part, 
as there are many interesting experiences and adventures 
told after taps. 

The above is pretty nearly a correct account of one day 
with the 14th N. G. V. Regiment at Chickamauga Park. 
Respectfully yours, 

Charles H. Wechsler, 
Private of Company F. 



PORTO RICO. 



Ponce, Porto Rico, Aug. 21, 1898. 

Dear Cousin : — It is with pleasure I send you a line 
from the front. We arrived at Porto Rico last Monday 
noon on the steamship "Chester." We had a hard time 
leaving New York. Our engine broke down a few 
times and we were held there for repairs. Before we 
started Company E had to pitch in money for food and 
medicines, otherwise our men would have died. Our 
rations for a day for a man were six hardtacks, one-quar- 
ter of a pound of bad corned beef, and two quarts of con- 
densed salt water ; and our beds were in with the mules — 
2 hammocks, one above the other, and that was the way 
we slept. One of our men is in the hospital now from eat- 
ing the corned beef. 

This island is a beautiful one, but we have too much 
rain ; it rains every little while and very hard each time. 
Our tents are up now; we did not have them at first. 
There are no floors in them and we have to lay in mud. 
Last night at 1 o'clock we woke up and were floating 




THEODORE K. THEH.E, 
Company E, ist U. S. Volunteer Iiifautry- 



172 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

around the street in water ; it was about 4 feet high ; we 
then walked around until morning and waited until the 
water could be drawn off. We all look a sight, although 
we are "in it." If we want to s:o for a drink of water 
outside of the fence we have got to have a pass. 

They have all kinds of fruit here and lots of it, but we 
cannot buy any kind we like, for they make us throw it 
away until we are used to the wet weather. The people 
here at present do not live; they just exist. Everything 
ihey do is just the opposite way of doing things. They 
wear light clothes, mostly all white, some wear shoes and 
others go without them. They are fair looking people, 
some are very good looking, but all are slim. They never 
marry — just live together. About the war I could not tell 
you. When we fight, or if we ever fight, it is hard to tell. 
TherQ are 9,000 Spaniards about ten miles from where we 
are, and we are 25,000 strong, and some are killed every 
day. They had a fight last night in St. John. I will have 
to close now as I want to level up the ground in mj^ tent, 
and gather a few sticks to lay in the mud, so we won't sink 
down too low. I am still well and am feeling very good, 
but my feet are wet all the time. I am not kicking as long 
as I can stand it. I hope this letter will find j^ou all with 
the best of health. Yours truly, 

Theodore H. Theile, 
Co. E, 1st U. S. Vul. Engineers. 



San Juan, Porto Rico, Feb. 7, 1900. 

My Dear Friend :— The mail will leave at 7.30 a. m., 
so I will write you a general letter. I suppose you re- 
ceived my last letter some days ago. 

Well, I am first-class at last, so I have been ashore. I 
visited the "Morro" and "San Cristobal Colon " forts. 
San Juan is a peculiar city to our unaccustomed eyes. I 
don't know as I can tell you about all the queer sights we 
saw, but many of them are fresh in my mind, and I will 



SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 173 

tell them just as the\'^ come to my recollection. In the first 
place, people here don't wear much clothing. I encpiired 
of a washwoman at what age they begin dressing children, 
and she replied "at five or si.v." So one sees lots of naked 
babies running about the streets, some as black as rubber 
dolls and others of lighter color. The railroad has cars 
about as large as our old horse-cars, and only two and a 
half feet guage. We jumped the train at full speed and 
off again ; ran after it and caught it too. Then we took a 
ride across the bay to Catana, in a native boat. There we 
saw the fandango danced by native men in the street. We 
saw the queerest little ferry-boat — it has gangways to let 
down at each end. We saw the sugar plantations too, but 
it being Sunday they were not grinding cane. San Juan 
itself is a walled city and the highest point on the island 
on which the city is build is a corner of fort "San Cristo- 
bal Colon." From this height the view of the breakers 
waj' down below is simply grand. It rains here fre- 
quently, so that vegetation is luxuriant, and the hills area 
beautiful green. 

The famous military road of which you have read 
starts from this city and runs to Ponce ; it is very hard — 
constructed of broken brick and cement. The forts are 
massive and must have cost an incredible amount of labor 
and money to build. The places broken during the bom- 
bardment b}' Sampson's warships are very noticeable; as 
are also the shell-holes made by the British in the 18th 
century. There are a great number of soldiers stationed 
here, too many, I think; for the people are very orderly as 
far as I could judge. The native troops are excellent. In 
the United States service, a native band discourses music 
in the Plaza in the evenings, and all the city turns out, of 
course. The streets are paved and very neat, but hilly. 
We saw some bananas growing over a wall, and going 
nearer to investigate noticed an entrance to a cathedral. 
We went in and saw the priests going to the altar, but no 
audience as yet had arrived. Passing on through we came 
to another square, and so you find yourself always. There^ 



174 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

are no back yards as we have, but closely built houses. 
The walls are about 18 or 20 feet in height for comfort. 
Hearing a piano being played in a house we went in and 
up stairs, but found it was a private house. (We thought 
it might be a club-house.) We apologized, and as we were 
going out an American woman called us up, and so we re- 
mained a few minutes listening to some good piano-play- 
ing. Well, we went on down to the Marine barracks, 
which are fine; right on the sea-front, too. They have a 
librar}'- of some 3,000 volumes, and have only a few tons of 
coal to guard ; so that duty is light and most of the fellows 
like it well. 

Wine is cheap here; two cents a glass, so they say, and 
that is a great inducement to most marines. The people 
here dress in white all the time, and live well. Mr. Lucas 
is in command ; I did not see him, but will do so to-mor- 
row, D. V. Two of my shipmates from the "New 
Orleans " are here, also some Brookl^ni lads. It is quite 
warm here — like July at home, but there's always a good 
breeze. We have coaled up and scrubbed down since we 
came here ; in fact just finished. We have swimming three 
times a da}^, and have great fun in the water. A great 
deal of commerce is carried on at this port, but no mail 
has come for us yet. Oranges cost 20 cents per dozen on 
the ship, and cocoanuts 3 for 5 cents ashore. Bananas are 
not ripe now — just blooming I believe, although we did see 
a little set fruit. We will have Admiral's inspection it is 
reported. The "New York" will be here on the 12th 
inst; we will remain until that time. To-day we had 
plenty of drill-fire, collision and abandon ship, and this 
time we abandoned her. It took just about half an hour 
to "fit out" and " away," but then the boats were all out 
before hand. I have a number of ribbons for you but will 
not send them until later. I have a few coins, too; all 
Spanish copper is punched to prevent its being sent to 
Spain. I have five pieces in all. We are trying our 
search-light to-night, and playing them on the town, which 
looks very pretty under it. There are no arc-lights in the 



SrANISH-AMEKICAN WAR 175 



city ; only gas and incandescent electric. There are not 
many Americans here yet except soldiers, but a number of 
the Porto Ricans have picked up some EngHsh. Our dol- 
lar brings $1.63 2-;3 in Spanish coin. Quite a number of 
the marines are married to native women, and many of 
them live outside the barracks. The " Uncas," formerly 
the "W. A. Luckenbach" and the "Caesar," collier, 
formerly of the Hull Steamship Company, are station ships! 
Most of the houses in the city are of masonry and it is very 
hard; I have a few chips from the forts to show that. 
There appears to be a large reception and living room in 
front, and a kitchen and dining-room combined at the rear, 
with other rooms between. Few houses are more than one 
story, and none have the iron bars common in Cuba; in- 
stead they have shutters with a small opening about the 
size of this sheet— 4 1-2x7 inches— and you can most always 
see some one looking out of these. The streets are nar- 
row—about 20 feet, or even less, with sidewalks about 2 
feet in width. As we were passing down one street we 
stopped to talk to some soldiers and a girl reached out of 
one of the small openings in the shutter and took my hat in 
before I was aware of it. I had to go in the house to get 
it and had quite a laugh over the episode ; she thought she 
knew me, and said something about the doctor, but I 
could not save it. I got my hat without any trouble but 
kept clear of the windows after that. We took our dinner 
in an American restaurant and returned aboard at 12. 

Well, I have told you everything that came to mind 
and must close. I hope all have been well. I do not 
know yet where we shall go when w^e leave here. I will 
write you again later on. 

Yours very truly, 

Joseph F. R. Boniface. 



176 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

FROM THE BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES. 



Manila, September, 1898. 

Editors Banner : — When I last wrote you we were 
stationed at Cavite, across the harbor from Manila. In 
this place we had to sleep on the floor of the barracks from 
which the Spaniards had been driven. After staying in 
this place for a week we went across the harbor to Camp 
Dewey, within a few miles of Manila, and here things 
seemed a little like war. We had a firing line to keep the 
Spaniards from advancing on our camp. Each Company 
had to go out to the firing line for 24 hours at a time, 
taking their turn in order. The first week a few of our 
men were killed, but intrenchments were soon made so 
perfect that we didn't lose a man. 

On Friday night, Aug. 12th, we were given an extra 
hundred rounds of ammunition and told to get two days' 
rations. There was very little sleep that night you can 
bet. In the morning, the 13th. we started to advance 
toward Manila and it was a long march through mud and 
water knee deep, with the i*ain coming down in buckets 
full; at last we reached our intrenchment. Our Company 
took the firing line about seven o'clock. About ten o'clock 
the fun started, and at twelve o'clock Dewey opened up 
fire on them. Some of the batteries were alongside of us 
and it was so pleasant to hear those bullets and shells sing- 
ing over our heads! Dewe}" hadn't opened up on them 
but a few minutes before he knocked the mischief out of 
their forts. It was then that we received the orders to de- 
ploy as skirmishers in the open fields, which meant plough- 
ing through mud and water, but the Spaniards soon sur- 
rendered and we marched into the city of Manila, where 
we have since been having nothing but guard duty to per- 
form. The Spaniards can't shoot a little bit or they would 
have given a better account of themselves. 




TENT SCENK, 
Compauy G, 3rd New Jersey, at Pomptou Lakes. 



178 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

Manila is ver\^ picturesque, with its old buildings, two 
and three stories high, surrounded by beautiful palm trees. 
The population is awfully mixed. There seems to be as 
many Chinese here as there are natives. I have thought 
how awfully shocked our girls at home would be should 
they see one of the girls here coming down the streets with 
a basket on her head, swinging her arms and smoking a 
cigar. They all smoke and chew, even the little girls. 
There are no big wagons here to carry heav3^ freight, &c. 
The natives and Chinese carry it on bamboo poles across 
their shoulders, and it's really surprising to see what 
heavy loads they can carry in this manner. Then too, 
they use a two wheeled cart drawn by the water buffalo. 

Have lots of fruit here. The bananas and oranges do 
not compare with those that you get — not so big and not 
of as good flavor. Around our barracks are several ban- 
ana trees ; from one of them w e cut a big bunch the other 
day and they were the best I have seen on this side of the 
globe. 

Enclosed you will find a Spanish ten-cent stamp. I 
found it in the Spanish barracks just as they were leaving. 
I have some bullets which I picked up in the first Spanish 
fort we captured, and many other relics that I will try and 
send you or keep until I return. I will send j'ou a paper 
that they are printing here for the boys in blue, called 
"The American Soldier." 

You should see the street cars here, they can never 
climb a hill until they stop and put on an extra horse. 

Alfred A. DeGroot, 
Co. A, 18th Infantry, U. S. A , 

Manila, P. I. 



Angeles, Philippine Islands, } 

September 18, 1899. f 

Dear Friend : I think it is time to send you a few 

lines in order to give you an idea of these far away islands, 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAK 179 



their people and customs, as a soldier sees them. There 
have been mauj- attempts made in the past by newspaper 
and magazine writers to describe them, but they have been 
greatly exaggerated. The climate is very unhealthy, and 
what nature has lacked in making it so, the natives more 
than make up. At the present time 20 per cent, of the 
regiment which I belong to is sick and unable to perform 
dut}'. I have been sick quite often since we landed here. 
The worst foe we have is the deadly climate, which kills 
and maims twenty times as many as the rifle or sword. 

In our regiment we have lost in battles and skirmishes be- 
tween 60 and 75 men. Our losses are small considering the 
number of men engaged and tiie strong positions held by 
the enemy. On account of the superior markmanship of 
Uncle Sam's soldiers there are twenty Filipinos killed for 
every American. It is unnecessary to go into the details 
about our engagements, as you have no doubt read the 
daily papers which get that part of the news with some 
exaggeration. 

The Filipino soldier has been greatly under-estimated, 
for nature feeds him, if " Aggie" (Aguinaldo) doesn't and 
he is well armed with a gun as good as our own. 

The rebels use smokeless powder and hide behind bam- 
boo hedges, and of course are hard to locate. They prob- 
ably believe in the old maxim, " He who fights and runs 
away, lives to fight another day," when we make a charge 
on them. We were not aware of the fact that they pos- 
sessed artillery until last evening, when the}' turned five 
smoothbore field pieces on our camp and made the atmos- 
phere quite unhealthy for a few moments, but when our 
guns got started they promptly ceased firing. 

We are now in possession of this town, the extreme end 
of the north line, 55 miles north of Manila. "Aggie's" 
soldiers contested every foot of the ground all the way 
here, and tore up the railroad for 10 miles. The arm\' 
operating on the south of Manila has only advanced 15 
miles. 

Labor is quite cheap here. Chinese coolies get from 15 



180 MdRRISTOWN IN THE 

to 25 cents a day for 12 hours' work, and skilled labor, 
such as carpenters and masons, from 25 to 50 cents a day. 
There are great opportunities here for capital. The Fili- 
pinos and the Chinese as a rule, live mostly on rice, which 
is very cheap. Meat and bread are luxuries which only 
the well-to-do can afford. Most all the natives, even to 
the better class, eat with their fingers. They are lazy and 
never do to day what they can put off until to-morrow. The 
principle occupation is rice cultivation. There is quite a 
large amount of sugar cane raised, but they don't seem to 
have any improved way of crushing it. Just at present 
there is very little of anything raised, on account of the 
war, of course. The Filipinos look like mere boys, so frail 
and delicate, but are very tricky. They resemble the 
Japanese more than any other race ; they are very fond of 
music and dress ; that is, the better class. 

The reason we took this town was because it will give 
us a better base for operations and supplies. It is one of 
the richest towns north of Manila. The city of Manila is 
like other Spanish built cities, a place more to breed dis- 
ease than for habitation. 

I hope this war will soon be over. I will then return 
and enjoy the spring water and milk which only Morris 
county can produce. Hoping I have not exaggerated any- 
thing in these few lines, I remain your friend. 

Corporal Patrick Moore, 
Company G, 12th Infantry, 
Angeles, P. I. 8th Army Corps. 



New York, August 19, 1899. 

Dear Mr. Sherman : — Yours received * * * * 
1 tried very hard to enlist in the Second New Jersey Vol- 
unteers from Englewood, N. J., but failed, and took my 
chances of seeing active service with Company M, Seventy 
First New York Volunteers. * * * * 




VICTOR BROWN, 
Company F, 2Sth U S. Volunteer Infantry. 



182 MORRISTOWN IN THE 

I am proud of having been one of the few who were 
able to go to the front to defend right from wrong; but in 
going to the front and offering my Hfe I was only being- 
loyal to my country and the old flag, for which I would 
be willing to die. You have seen it floating over Union 
ramparts in 186 1, and I have seen it floating defiantly over 
OM7' trenches before Santiago de Cuba in 1898; and you 
can appreciate the love I have for the flag. 
I am very trul}^, 

J. Wakren Howell. 



CONDENSED LOG OF THE "BADGER." 



Newburg, N. Y., I 
August 23, 1899. f 



Rev. a. Magouan Sherman, 

Morristown, N. J. 



Dear Sir : — In answer to your request, that I send you 
my photograph for publication in "Morristown in the 
Spanish- American war;" I would say that the only one I 
have (in uniform) would hardly do justice to the book. 
However, if absolutely essential, I could send it to you. 

I would prefer that you mention my name as one of the 
crew of the " U. S. S. Badger." The "Badger" was 
formerly the Ward Liner " Yumuri," and after being 
transformed into an auxiliar}^ cruiser was manned entirely 
by the New Jersey Naval Reserve. Commander A. S. 
Snow, U. S. N., and Lieut. H. C. Gearing, U. S. N., were 
from the regular navy, otherwise the personnel were vol- 
unteers. 

The crew were mustered into the service May 17, 1898, 
at New York. On June 8th, we left the Brooklyn Navy 



SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ] S.'} 



Yard for Provincetown, Mass. After spending some time 
off the coast of Maine witu the Patrol Fleet, the " Badger " 
sailed for Key West arriving there July 2nd. From there 
she went to the Havana blockade sighting Morro Castle at 
daybreak on July 4tb. A week was spent here, and the 
ship was then ordered to blockade the port of Nuevitas, 
about three hundred miles to the eastward. 

The ship remained at Nuevitas for a month stopping 
suspicious craft, and finally capturing a large seagoing 
tug, and two sailing vessels. The prizes were taken to 
Dry Tortugas, and quarantined for the proper length of 
time, after which the two sailing vessels were sent to 
Havana; the government not wanting the care of the 
prisoners, and the vessels not being especially valuable; 
the tug, which was a very fine boat, was sent to New 
York in charge of a prize crew. The " Badger " went to 
Key West, coaled up, and sailed for Guantanamo, on the 
southern side of Cuba. She staid at this place about two 
weeks, during which time the bunkers were filled with 
coal, and the crew visited the first battlefield of the war. 
About the last week in August we sailed north, having 
on board Companies I, K and L, of the 34th Michigan 
Volunteers. They were landed at Montauk, and the ship 
went on to Boston where she lay during the month of 
September. 

About the first of October, we sailed for Philadelphia 
and on Oct. 7th were sent by rail to Hoboken, and muster- 
ed out on board the " U. S. S. Portsmouth." 

The above is a very condensed log of the experiences of 
the "Badger," and of her crew; for what applies to the 
ship, applies also to the men. 

Yours sincerely, 

Edgar E. Burnet. 



XIable of Contents 



CHAPTER I. 
Causes of the Spanish-American War . l-o 

Destruction of the Maine in Havana Harbor. Burial of the Crew. 
Naval Court of Inquiry. Suspicious Circumstances. War In- 
evitable. The Conditions of Affairs in Cuba Intolerable to the 
American People. The Cuban War Must Cease. 



CHAPTER n. 
Cuban Insurrections 7-14 

Discovery and Settlement of Cuba. Spanish Cruelty. Broken 
Promises. Struggle for Independence. Cuban Leaders. Weyler s 
Barbarous Methods. Removal of Weyler. Appointment of 
Ramon Blanco. American Indignation Thoroughly Aroused. 



CHAPTER III. 
Diplomatic Correspondence 10-24 

Removal of Weyler. The DeLonie Epi-sode. Millions for National 
Defense An Armistice Suggested Efforts for Peaceful Settlement 
Fruitless. Spain Notified to Quit the Western Continent. War 
Declared. Cuban Ports Blockaded. Volunteers Called For. Prompt 
Response. Remarks of Hon. Mahlon Pitney in the House of Rep- 
resentatives, March S, 1898. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER IV. 

Patriotic Discourses -2,^-48 

By Rev. Albert Erdman, D.D., Pastor of the South Street Presby- 
terian Church, Morri.stown, N. J. By Rev. Thomas I. Coultas, 
D.D., Pastor of the M. E. Church, Morristown, N. J. By Rev. 
Samuel Z. Batten, A.M , Pastor of the Baptist Church, Morris- 
town, N J. 



CHAPTER V. 
War Meetings 49-60 

Held in A. T. A. Torbert Post Rooms, Washington Street. Speech 
of Rev. J. M. Buckley, D.D., at the Convention of the National 
Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. 



CHAPTER VI. 
A Great Victory and Its Celebration . GO-70 

Dewey's Naval Victory in Manila Bay. Dewey Demonstration in 
Morristown, New Jersey. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Important Morristown Events .... 71-84 

Patriotic Young Men Organize a Military Company. I^ocal 
Branch of the Naval Aid Socieiy Organized. Local Branch of 
Red Cro.=is Society Organized. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER VIII. 
A Brilliant Record 84-11(1 

The Santiago Campaign. Morristown Celebrates the Capitula- 
tion of Santiago. Patriotic Meeting.s Under the Auspices of the 
Local Y. M. C A. Hobson Visits Morristown. Convalescent 
Anierical Soldiers in Town. Lincoln Guard's Reception to Re- 
turned Veterans. Humane Engine Company's Banquet to Re- 
turned Soldier- Firemen. 



CHAPTER IX. 
Defenders of National Honor .... lUi-i-ic 

Roll of Men who Enlisted from Morristown and Vicinity in the 
Spanish-American War, with the Record of Each. 



CHAPTER X. 
Letters from the Boys 146-183 

From Cuba, Porto Rico, Philippine Lslands, Log of the U. S. S. 
" Badger," Etc. 



Xlst of 



ITUustrations 



Sham Skirmish at Pompton Lakes, N. J. Frontispiece 


Captain Capron's Battery in Action 


iii 


Block House on San Juan Hill . 


iv 


Section of American Trenches before Santiago 


vii 


Solid Comfort 


vii 


Group of Morristown Soldiers 


viii 


James R. Sutton ..... 


6 


Charles W. Bodine ..... 


6 


Joseph F. R. Boniface .... 


9 


Joseph H. Boniface 


15 


U. S. Hospital Ship " Relief " . 


15 


Hon, Mahlon Pitney 


22 


Rev. Albert Erdman, D. D. ... 


27 


Rev. Thomas I. Coultas, D. D. . . 


30 


George L. Berry ...... 


3.3 


An Improvised Barber Shop 


33 


Theodore F. Kinsey 


36 


William H. Force, Jr. .... 


36 


Rev. Samuel Z. Batten, A. M. . 


38 


David C. VanGilder 


41 


William Mack 


41 


Alfred DeGroot 


42 


Thomas Anderson ..... 


45 


Robert Trowbridge ' . 


45 


Major Henry M. Dairy mple 


50 


Isaac R. Pierson ...... 


51 


Dr. Stephen Pierson 


52 


Frederick B. Cobbett 


53 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Barber Shop usotl by American Soldiers in Georgia 

Walter S. Tyson .... 

Mayor Edward A, Quayle . 

U. S. Auxiliary Cruiser "Badger" 

Ferdinand J, Titus .... 

Frank S. Meeker .... 

Allyu H. Thompson .... 

J. Condit Snnth 

Squad of American Soldiers 

C. Fred Stopford .... 

William Keepers .... 

U. S. Cruiser "Alliance" . 

Augustus W. Smith .... 

Bomb Proofs on San Juan Hill . 

J. Edward Van Dyke .... 

Raoul A. Lavalle .... 

John H. Talmadge .... 

J. Warren Howell .... 

Camp McCalla, Guantanamo, Cuba . 

Morro Castle, Santiago Harbor . 

Reina Mercedes, Sunk near Santiago Harbor 

On Guard at Headquarters . 

Leaf- Covered Tent .... 

Valley Before San Juan Hill, Cuba . 

Muzzle Loading Spanish Cannon 

Company M, 71st N. Y. on San Juan Hill 

Guarding Comrades' Graves 

Taking Body of Soldier Ashore for Burial 

Herbert E. Collins .... 

Edward J. Mason .... 

Charles H. Weschler .... 

Theodore F. Kinsey .... 

J. Horace Towlen .... 

William J. Jordan .... 

A Family in Greenville, South Carolina 

Guantanamo, Cuba .... 

Camp Scene in Co. G, 2nd N. J. Volunteer! 

Frank A. HoUoway .... 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



James E. Babcock 118 


Dennis F. Cooney 








123 


George W. Cook 








125 


William H. Hayes, jr. 








129 


Charles E. Letcher 








134 


Sergeant Patrick Moore 








137 


Thinking of Home 








146 


Emerson A. Hedden 








150 


Patrick Hackett . 








156 


Mauritius Jensen 






^ 


162 


John M. B. Sayre 








166 


Tent Scene in Company G, Pompton Lakes, N. J. 177 


Victor Brown 








181 



/Iftemoranba 



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